BRIC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding brain inflammation in cognitive problems
IRAS ID
305370
Contact name
Paul Donaghy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
7 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aim
The aim of this study is to increase our understanding of cognitive problems (i.e problems with memory and thinking), to help develop new treatments.Background
There is evidence that brain inflammation can be involved in a wide range of brain diseases. We are interested in how brain inflammation might play a role in cognitive problems.Brain inflammation can be measured using a specialised brain scan. This allows us to answer important questions, such as:
1. Are cognitive problems associated with brain inflammation?
2. Is brain inflammation associated with progression of cognitive problems?Study Plan
We will undertake brain imaging in 50 people with specific cognitive problems, along with 20 people without cognitive problems. Participants will have TSPO genotyping prior to imaging to ensure they are high- or medium-affinity binders of TSPO ligands. Low-affinity binders will not undergo imaging, therefore around 80 participants may have to be recruited in total. All participants will have a clinical assessment, blood samples and a brain scan at the Campus for Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle University and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.Free taxi transport will be provided to all participants.
Participants will have a further clinical assessment and blood sample after one year and a repeat brain scan and blood samples after two years.
The findings of this study could identify brain inflammation as a new treatment target for people with cognitive problems.
REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
22/WA/0312
Date of REC Opinion
22 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion