Stroke-IMPaCT study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Stroke – Immune Mediated Pathways and Cognitive Trajectory
IRAS ID
275726
Contact name
Craig Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Why/what? The overall aim of this project to explore how changes in the immune system, our body's response to injury, relates to cognitive decline after stroke. The project is part of a major international network (Stroke-IMPaCT Network) which aims to identify how the immune system contributes to post-stroke dementia and identify new approaches to its prevention.
Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. For stroke survivors, one of the most upsetting complications after stroke is a decline in cognitive ability (the ability to think, remember and reason). Cognitive decline occurs in up to a third of stroke survivors within five years of stroke and effects quality of life, ability to work and participate in normal daily activities. As there are no treatments, research to better understand cognitive decline after stroke is a high priority and unmet need.
Who/where? The project will recruit at least 200 stroke survivors from stroke units in Manchester (Salford Royal) and California (Stanford Hospital) and up to 133 non-stroke volunteers of a similar age/sex and with similar risk factors to act as controls. We will invite patients, aged 45 years and over and within four days of stroke, to participate in the study. Those who agree will undergo physical and cognitive tests, including brain imaging at regular intervals for approximately 3½ years after stroke. We will collect blood samples to evaluate changes in the immune system and genetic markers. Brain imaging will measure changes in brain structure over time and these will be compared to blood and brain imaging from non-stroke controls.
How? The project has begun recruitment in Stanford and we will begin recruitment in Salford in early 2021. Recruitment will last for one-two years, with participants in follow-up for at least 3½ years (or longer if funding secured).REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
21/WA/0156
Date of REC Opinion
28 Jun 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion