Retinal imaging detects brain amyloid
- Trial ID
- NCT02524405
- Official Title
- The Brain Eye Amyloid Memory (BEAM) Study: Validation of Ocular Measures as Potential Biomarkers for Early Detection of Brain Amyloid and Neurodegeneration
- Goal
- Retinal imaging detects brain amyloid
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Study Type
- OBSERVATIONAL
- Enrollment
- 345 participants
- Conditions
- Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Parkinson's Disease, Lewy Body Disease
- Interventions
- Pittsburgh Compound B [11C]-PIB
Plain-Language Summary
The BEAM study is trying to see if simple, noninvasive eye measures can reliably indicate early brain amyloid buildup and neurodegeneration that contribute to Alzheimer disease, Lewy body disease, and Parkinson's-related cognitive decline. Participants receive a PET scan with Pittsburgh Compound B [11C]-PIB, a tracer that binds amyloid plaques so PET shows brain amyloid load, and researchers compare that to retinal imaging (SD-OCT and color fundus photos), eye-tracking tests, and cognitive assessments to look for retinal thinning, deposits, or abnormal eye movements that mirror brain changes. Adults aged 50 to 90 are eligible, including cognitively normal people, those with MCI, Alzheimer’s, Lewy body spectrum disorders (including Parkinson's with MCI or dementia), or subcortical vascular cognitive impairment, but participants must have adequate vision and hearing, be able to tolerate MRI and PET, and many groups require a reliable study partner. People with glaucoma, active retinal disease or prior retinal surgery, high intraocular pressure, recent major brain injury or stroke, MRI contraindications, or other serious medical issues are excluded.
Locations
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Baycrest Health Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Pittsburgh Compound B [11C]-PIB. The BEAM study is trying to see if simple, noninvasive eye measures can reliably indicate early brain amyloid buildup and neurodegeneration that contribute to Alzheimer disease, Lewy body disease, and Parkinson's-related cognitive decline. Participants receive a PET scan with Pittsburgh Compound B [11C]-PIB, a tracer that binds amyloid plaques so PET shows brain amyloid load, and researchers compare that to retinal imaging (SD-OCT and color fundus photos), eye-tracking tests, and cognitive assessments to look for retinal thinning, deposits, or abnormal eye movements that mirror brain changes. Adults aged 50 to 90 are eligible, including cognitively normal people, those with MCI, Alzheimer’s, Lewy body spectrum disorders (including Parkinson's with MCI or dementia), or subcortical vascular cognitive impairment, but participants must have adequate vision and hearing, be able to tolerate MRI and PET, and many groups require a reliable study partner. People with glaucoma, active retinal disease or prior retinal surgery, high intraocular pressure, recent major brain injury or stroke, MRI contraindications, or other serious medical issues are excluded.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 50 Years and 90 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 5 locations.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 9 years and 1 month.