Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Observational Study on Determinants of Dementia After Stroke

This long-term study, called DEDEMAS, is trying to understand why some people develop memory and thinking problems, known as dementia, after having a stroke. Researchers are especially interested in looking for clues in the brain using scans, and in the blood through special tests. They want to see how problems with blood vessels in the brain (from the stroke) and other brain changes might work together to cause dementia. By following people who have had a stroke for up to 10 years, they hope to identify early warning signs and understand the causes better. This could help doctors predict who is at risk and eventually lead to new ways to prevent dementia after stroke.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Ludwig-Maximilians - University of Munich

Enrolment target

736

Start

01 Apr 2011

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2029

Ischemic Stroke Hemorrhagic Stroke

What is this study about?

This research study, known as DEDEMAS, is focused on a very important question: why do some people develop memory and thinking problems, also called dementia, after they have a stroke? Stroke can affect the brain's blood supply, and scientists are trying to figure out how this might lead to dementia. They also want to understand if other changes in the brain, separate from the immediate stroke damage, play a role, and how all these different things might work together.

The main goal is to find early signs or 'predictors' of dementia after a stroke. Researchers will look at various things, including detailed brain scans and special tests on blood samples. They aim to track these changes over time to see what might indicate a higher risk of developing dementia. This study is important because currently, we don't fully understand why some people are affected and others aren't, or how best to prevent it.

By carefully studying people over many years, the researchers hope to gain new insights into the causes of dementia after a stroke. This knowledge could eventually help doctors identify people at high risk earlier, find better ways to diagnose the condition, and perhaps even develop new treatments or ways to stop dementia from developing in the future. It's about understanding the puzzle so we can help those affected.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why some people get dementia after a stroke.
Will follow participants for up to 10 years.
Involves regular brain scans, blood tests, and memory checks.
It's an observational study, no new treatments are given.
Participation could help improve care for future stroke patients.
You can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and speak German. You must have had a recent stroke within the last five days, which doctors have confirmed through scans as either an 'ischemic stroke' (a clot blocking blood flow) or a 'hemorrhagic stroke' (bleeding in the brain).

It's also important that someone close to you (like a family member or friend) is available to provide some information, and that you are willing to give your permission in writing to take part and attend follow-up appointments.

You would not be able to join if you have already been diagnosed with dementia or show strong signs of it. Also, if you have certain other conditions like some types of cancer with a short life expectancy, have had certain brain bleeds from vessel problems, or cannot have an MRI scan, you wouldn't be able to participate. They're also not including people who were transferred from another stroke unit or those already in different drug trials.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 18 years old?
Have you had a stroke within the last 5 days?
Do you speak German?
Is a trusted person available to share information about you?
Have you NOT been diagnosed with dementia before?
Can you have an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your journey will start with an initial check-up shortly after your stroke (within 5 days). You'll then have regular appointments for the first five years, specifically at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months after your stroke. These appointments will involve various assessments, including brain MRI scans, detailed memory and thinking tests, and blood samples being taken.

For some participants who develop memory problems, or a matching group without these problems, additional brain scans (FDG-PET and Amyloid-PET) might be done. In specific cases where doctors think it's medically necessary, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) might also be offered. After the first five years, you will continue to have a check-up over the phone once a year for another five years, meaning the study could last a total of 10 years.

It's important to remember that this is an observational study, which means you won't be given any new medications or treatments as part of the study. Instead, researchers will be carefully observing and collecting information about your health over time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information found could help future patients by leading to better ways to predict and prevent dementia after stroke. Potential risks include the minor discomfort and standard risks associated with blood tests, MRI scans, and potentially, if required by your doctor, a lumbar puncture. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care.

Locations (5)

DZNE/Munich-Interdisciplinary Stroke Center Munich, Klinikum der Universität München, Campus Großhadern
Verified postcode
Munich, Germany
DZNE/Berlin - Neuroscience Research Center - Campus Mitte Charité
Verified postcode
Berlin, Germany
DZNE/Bonn - Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn
Verified postcode
Bonn, Germany
DZNE/Göttingen - University Medical Center Göttingen
Verified postcode
Göttingen, Germany
DZNE/Magdeburg - Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg
Verified postcode
Magdeburg, Germany

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to understand why some people develop memory problems (dementia) after a stroke and to find early signs that could predict who might be at risk.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You will have in-person appointments for 5 years, followed by yearly phone calls for another 5 years, making it a total of up to 10 years.

Will I receive any new treatments or medicines?

No, this is an 'observational' study, meaning researchers will only collect information and won't give you any new medications or treatments.

What kind of tests will I have?

You'll have brain scans (MRI), memory and thinking tests, and blood tests at different times during the study.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without needing to give a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.