StrokeCog-BBB to Study Cognitive Outcomes Following Stroke

Launched by STANFORD UNIVERSITY · Oct 30, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The StrokeCog-BBB trial is a study aimed at understanding how strokes affect thinking and memory over time. Researchers want to find out if the protective barrier in the brain, which usually keeps harmful substances out, remains damaged years after a stroke. They are also looking at certain blood markers to see if they can predict problems with thinking skills after a stroke. Participants will be asked to take cognitive tests and have MRI scans, which are pictures of the brain, two years apart. By comparing the results of stroke patients with those who have risk factors for heart disease but haven't had a stroke, the researchers hope to learn more about the long-term effects of strokes on brain function.

To join the study, participants need to be at least 45 years old and have at least one risk factor for vascular disease, like high blood pressure or diabetes. They should also be able to read and speak English well and live independently. It’s important to note that people who have had strokes, serious brain injuries, or certain neurological conditions are not eligible for the study. If you decide to participate, you will contribute to important research that may help improve understanding of cognitive issues following a stroke.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 45 years or over
• • One or more vascular risk factors (e.g. high blood pressure, diabetes or vascular disease such as angina, a previous heart attack, a heart bypass or peripheral artery disease in the legs)
• • Established vascular disease (previous MI, angina, vascular stent in the peripheral bed)
• • Sufficiently fluent in written and spoken English
• • Living independently in the community
• • Willing/able to give consent to study participation.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current treatment with IL-1 blockade or established immune-suppressant therapy (e.g. IL-1Ra or IL-1 antibodies), or treatment within the last 3 months
• • Currently participating in a clinical trial of investigation medicinal product (CTIMP) or device trial.
• • No history of any previous ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, a mini-stroke or a serious brain injury
• • Do not have dementia
• • Renovascular Disease
• • Major neurological disease (immune mediated, previous brain tumors)