The VESPAR Project
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Vascular mEchanisms in, Stroke, dePression, dementiA, and deliRum: The VESPAR project
IRAS ID
317783
Contact name
Jatinder Minhas
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leicester
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research Summary
This study is investigating problems in brain blood flow in four common conditions that affect older people: stroke, dementia, depression, and delirium. These four conditions share common problems and changes to brain blood flow, but these problems have not been investigated as a potential link between these diseases. In this study we plan to use a combination of two methods to determine changes in brain blood flow and oxygen supply to the brain using ultrasound (transcranial Doppler ultrasonography) and near-infrared light (near-infrared spectroscopy). These techniques do not use radiation and have the advantage of being portable, so they can be taken to the patient's bedside. We have previously tested a similar research study in people living with dementia which was well tolerated. In this study, we will firstly take a measurement of the blood flow at rest and then during four different tests to stimulate blood flow: 1) A memory task, 2) Passive movement of the arm, 3) stimulation by soft touch, and 4) stimulation with light. We will use these stimulation techniques to determine whether blood flow increases response to stimulation and we will compare these responses between groups and to a cohort of healthy older people to see if they are the same or affected differently in different conditions. This study will provide information on how easy this study is to undertake in these different conditions and any changes that may be needed for this group of patients. We will provide the participants with two additional assessments which are optional to check their balance and also to have a follow-up in the community with a device (Lifesignals(c) Biosensor) that can remotely monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels produced by a company called Infiniwell. These last two assessments are optional.
Summary of Results
The VESPAR study had a planned trial duration of 01/01/2023-01/01/2026. The study planned to recruit 140 participants across five groups (healthy control, stroke, dementia, delirium, and depression) across a period up to 3 years. These patients were recruited from internal poster advertisement, Join Dementia Research, the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust. The first recruitment occurred on July 10th 2023, the final recruitment occurred on March 3rd 2025. A total of 119 participants were successfully recruited across all arms of the study. There are 2 papers submitted for publication directly resulting from findings of this study. One Adverse Event was recorded within recruitment activities and reported and filed appropriately. No AR’s, SAE’s, SAR’s or SUSAR’s were reported
REC name
Wales REC 1
REC reference
22/WA/0319
Date of REC Opinion
17 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion