Study

The White Matter Imaging Study – Seattle, WA

Eligibility Requirements:

Participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will be recruited for this study.

  • Age 60+
  • Attend study visits at study site location
  • Willing/able to complete MRI scan
  • Willing/able to complete blood draw

About the Study:

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are bright patches that can only be see when pictures of the brain are taken through an MRI scan. WMHs are usually found in people with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.

UW researchers are investigating why white matter hyperintensities occur by analyzing blood biomarkers, cerebrospinal fluid, cognitive testing, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose:

UW researchers are using innovative non-invasive MRI techniques to better understand white patches found in brain imaging that are related to poor blood supply to the brain and cognitive deficits in people with Alzheimer's disease. This study will test the link between MRI markers, cognitive performance, and markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds the brain. Knowledge gained from this study will allow scientists to continue research aimed at alleviating cognitive decline and improving health.

What is Involved:

Participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will be recruited for this study.

The study takes place at two different institutions, the Veterans Affairs Hospital (VA) and the University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC). Two visits will take place at the VA and one at UWMC, 3 visits in total. The visits will be scheduled around your availability.

Visit 1: Veterans Affairs Hospital Seattle

  • Physical Exam
  • Blood Draw
  • Cognitive Testing (if applicable)

Visit 2: Veterans Affairs Hospital Seattle

  • Blood Draw
  • Lumbar Puncture (optional)

Visit 3: University of Washington Medical Center

  • MRI Scan

Compensation is available.

 SELECT A SITE BELOW  
Age:
60 to 85
Duration:
Up to 3 visits
Visits:
1-3 months
Study Type:
Observational Studies; Studies for People with Memory Impairment; Studies for People without Memory Impairment