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NCT05077579 · Cyrus A Raji

Alzheimer"s Imaging Biomarkers in Obesity

What this study is about

High body fat at midlife, as evidenced by overweight or obese body mass index (BMI), is increasingly understood as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, the underlying processes and mechanisms that may underlie this risk remains unknown. With this project, the Investigator proposes to create a new group of participants of cognitively normal 120 midlife individuals, age 40-60 years.

View original scientific description

High body fat at midlife, as evidenced by overweight or obese body mass index (BMI), is increasingly understood as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. However, the underlying processes and mechanisms that may underlie this risk remains unknown. With this project, the Investigator proposes to create a new cohort of cognitively normal 120 midlife individuals, age 40-60 years. The investigator and research staff will characterize the participant's overweight or obese status using metabolic tests including, an oral glucose tolerance test, fasting plasma insulin, fasting plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1c measurements. This testing will generate categories of metabolically abnormal overweight and obese (MAOO), metabolically normal overweight and obese (MNOO), and metabolically normal lean participants (MNLP). Research staff will evaluate differences between these groups on neuroimaging with the newer classification framework of Alzheimer's biomarkers with amyloid (A), tau (T), and neurodegeneration (N), or ATN. Neurodegeneration will be assessed by atrophy on brain MRI as reflected by regional volumes on Freesurfer. Staff will also evaluate MR neuroimaging markers for neuroinflammation using a newer method called diffusion basis spectrum imaging (DBSI), developed at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology at Washington University in St. Louis in collaboration with The Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (Knight ADRC).

Primary outcome measures

Aim - increased atrophy in MAOO compared to MNOO and MNLP participants

Time frame: 10 hours

we hypothesize increased atrophy in MAOO compared to MNOO and MNLP particularly in regions important for AD pathology such as the hippocampus and hippocampal sub-regions. These will be measured through the results of the blood tests, MRI scan \& data from the PET scans.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • Male and female, 40-60 years of age and any race;
  • MMSE = or greater than 25 or a Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR)=0;
  • Willing and able to undergo MRI
  • Willing to complete PET scans, including \[11C\]PiB and 18F-AV-1451 (Flortaucipir) radioactive tracer injection under protocols IRB #201409014 \& 201906028
  • Willing to participate in the metabolic subtyping of metabolically normal or abnormal overweight or obese status for the following three groups: a. Group 1: MAOO criteria: i. BMI ≥25 but \<45 kg/m2; ii. Maximum body circumference \< 165 cm to ensure participants fit into the PET/CT and MR scanners; iii. Fasting blood glucose: ≥100 mg/dl or blood glucose 2 h after an OGTT: ≥140 or fasting insulin: \>20 µu/ml; b. Group 2: MNOO criteria: i. BMI ≥ 25 but \<45 kg/m2; ii. Maximum body circumference \< 165 cm to ensure participants fit into the PET/CT and MR scanners; iii. Blood glucose 2 h after an OGTT: iv. HbA1c \< 5.7% v. Fasting insulin: \< 20 µu/ml; c. Group 3: MNLP criteria: i. BMI ≥18.5 but \< 25.0 kg/m2; ii. Maximum body circumference \< 165 cm to ensure subjects fit into the PET/CT and MR scanners; iii. Fasting blood glucose: \< 100 mg/dl; iv. Blood glucose 2 h after an OGTT: \< 140 mg/dl; v. HbA1c \< 5.7% vi. Fasting insulin: \< 20 µu/ml;

Exclusion criteria

  • Any condition that in the opinion of the Investigator or designee could increase the risk to the participant, limit the participant's ability to tolerate the research procedures or interfere with the collection of the data, (e.g., currently taking a drug for treatment of obesity);
  • Intend to have bariatric surgery;
  • Inability to tolerate to lie still during the scanning procedures (e.g., severe, chronic back pain);
  • Severe claustrophobia;
  • Women who are currently pregnant or breast-feeding;
  • Currently receiving an active obesity study drug (or placebo) or in an obesity clinical trial;
  • Laboratory Evaluations exclusion: • Oral glucose tolerance test should not be performed in patients who already fulfill the criteria for diabetes mellitus. These include: - History of Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus - Prior documentation of a fasting plasma glucose \>7.0 mmol/L or two or more occasions or clinical symptoms of diabetes e.g. polydipsia, polyuria, ketonuria and rapid weight loss with a random plasma glucose of \>11.1 mmol/L • Other contraindications for venous access as part of OGTT or blood draws: - Venous fibrosis or shunt grafts in both upper extremities - Ongoing cellulitis or infection, particularly in the upper extremities. - Presence of a hematoma at the site of vascular access. - History of hypoglycemic encephalopathy that can occur with prolonged fasting
  • MRI exclusion: • Contraindications to MRI (e.g., certain incompatible electronic medical devices that make it potentially unsafe for the individual to participate). All participants must be willing to undergo at least two MRI screenings, supervised by Level II MRI personnel as designated by the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Where

  • St Louis, Missouri

Related conditions & keywords

Alzheimer DiseaseObesityMetabolic Disease

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 11, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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1 of 240 participants interested
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St Louis

Missouri

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Alzheimer Disease Treatment Options in St Louis, Missouri

If you're searching for Alzheimer Disease treatment in St Louis, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in St Louis and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Alzheimer Disease. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Missouri
Now Enrolling
Up to 240 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Alzheimer Disease?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Alzheimer Disease

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Alzheimer Disease Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT05077579. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.