Brain Network Analysis and Cognition in Small Vessel Disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Brain Network Analysis and Cognition in Small Vessel Disease: an investigation of the cognitive correlates of structural and functional networks
IRAS ID
142430
Contact name
Hugh Markus
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Research summary
Small vessel disease (SVD) describes where the small blood vessels in the brain become thickened and blood flow in them is reduced. This is a common condition with two common consequences 1) small strokes within deep structures in the brain (called lacunar strokes), and 2) cognitive impairment and dementia. SVD is the major cause of vascular dementia.
This research looks at a novel analysis technique for advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) which assesses networks formed by the white matter ’wiring’ of the brain. This has relevance for two key outstanding questions: 1) How do cognitive impairment and dementia come about in SVD? 2) How can we best monitor small vessel disease in future clinical trials? These are important for future therapies as better understanding the mechanisms of impairment might lead to new avenues of treatment, and using the most sensitive measures to monitor SVD makes clinical trials more feasible. Pilot data of the novel network analysis shows considerable promise and this research allows us to investigate further.
Our research participants (40 SVD, 25 Controls) will undergo a cognitive testing session where they will complete a battery of standard tests with a neuropsychologist (approx. 2 hours). They will then undergo an MRI examination lasting 45 minutes. A subset of participants will complete an identical follow-up scan within two weeks which we will use to assess the reliability of different analysis methods.
Patients are eligible for this study if they have had a particular type of small stroke (lacunar stroke) along with additional clinical neuroimaging evidence of wider small vessel disease (diffuse white matter damage). Furthermore, participants must not have strokes of other types, and must be able to undergo MRI and cognitive testing. SVD usually occurs later in life and most patients are expected to be aged 60-80.REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/0014
Date of REC Opinion
27 Feb 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion