| Sponsor |
National Institute on Aging |
| Official Study Title |
Aging Brain - Vasculature, Ischemia and Behavior |
| Conditions Studied |
Cortical and subcortical strokes, white matter disease,
vascular risk factors and aging |
| Purpose |
The overall purpose of this study is to clarify the mechanism(s) by which
“vascular” risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia) and stroke
contribute to progressive brain atrophy and cognitive decline. |
| Inclusion Criteria |
Older than age 75 years
Falls into Groups A, B or C below
English speaking
A. Clinical history of stroke (> 3 months ago), or multiple infarcts, severe white matter disease
on an MRI.
B. Persons with evidence of vascular end-organ disease (e.g., left ventricular hypertrophy, diabetic
or hypertensive renal insufficiency, diabetic or hypertensive retinopathy).
C. Older persons (> 65 years) who have a diagnosis of either two of the three above (e.g.,
hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia). |
| Exclusion Criteria |
History of epilepsy (unless secondary to stroke), schizophrenia
or bipolar affective disorder; history of substance abuse within the last 5 years. Pacemakers, shrapnel,
or other metal implants in body also exclude subjects from participating. |
| Testing |
EKG and blood draw at the initial visit. For subsequent visits, usually
once a year, 1.5 hours of cognitive testing, a neurological exam, a retinal scan and a carotid artery
ultrasound. An MRI will be given every other year. |
| Materials Needed Prior to Evaluation |
Medical records |
| Costs |
None. Subjects will be reimbursed $40-$90 for each visit. |
