Vascular Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Launched by AARHUS UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Feb 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The ENIGMA study is a clinical trial looking at how problems with blood vessels in the brain can affect thinking and memory after a stroke. Researchers want to understand why some people experience cognitive decline or dementia after having an ischemic stroke (a type of stroke caused by a blockage in blood flow) or a transient ischemic attack (a temporary blockage that usually lasts only a few minutes). By using advanced imaging techniques, they hope to learn more about the changes happening in the brain and how these changes relate to cognitive issues.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 60 years old and must have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack, with specific changes seen on an MRI scan shortly after your symptoms started. Unfortunately, if you have significant difficulties with daily activities, a known case of dementia or other serious brain conditions, or if you can't undergo an MRI for any reason, you won't be eligible to join. If you qualify, you can expect to undergo some tests and imaging procedures, and your participation will help researchers better understand the link between stroke and cognitive decline, potentially leading to improved treatments in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • AIS or TIA with a clinically relevant diffusion restriction identified on MRI DWI-sequence on admission
• • Admittance within 24 hours from symptom onset
• • Age ≥ 60
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Dependency in activities of daily living (mRS score \> 2)
• • Known dementia, neurodegenerative disease, or other significant brain disease
• • Concomitant life-threatening disease
• • Contraindications to undergo MRI
• • Allergy or intolerance to MRI contrast agents
• • eGFR \< 30
• • Unable to give written informed consent
• • Deemed unfit for follow-up