What role does sodium play in vascular dementia?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
What role does sodium play in vascular dementia?
IRAS ID
344858
Contact name
Sasha A Philbert
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Why?
We aim to determine if sodium levels in the brain can be used to diagnose individuals with vascular cognitive impairment. This is crucial because current methods for diagnosing vascular cognitive impairment and vascular dementia are not accurate enough. A more accurate method will not only help people understand their condition but also prevent them from receiving incorrect treatment due to misdiagnosis.What?
To measure sodium in the brain, we will be using a type of brain imaging called sodium magnetic resonance imaging. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid (fluid from the spinal canal) will also be analysed to further understand the role of sodium in vascular dementia.Who?
We will be recruiting people living with vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s from relevant NHS clinics in Greater Manchester, as well as healthy controls from Join Dementia Research.Where?
The study sites will include NHS clinics for cognitive assessments and blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid collection. A clinical research facility managed by the University of Manchester will also be used for brain imaging. Additional analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluid will be conducted at the University of Manchester and University College London.How?
The total visit time for participants will be approximately four hours across two visits. The study duration will be four years. Each participant will be asked to have a brain scan, give blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and complete three cognitive tests.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0225
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion