NCT05677880 · University of Wisconsin, Madison
Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy With Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) Study
What this study is about
This is an observational study to better understand the risk factors and progression of CADASIL, a leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). 575 participants will be enrolled and can expect to be on study for up to 5 years.
View original scientific description
This is an observational study to better understand the risk factors and progression of CADASIL, a leading cause of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). 575 participants will be enrolled and can expect to be on study for up to 5 years.
Interventions
OTHER
Study Procedures
Participants will experience * Neurocognitive Tests and Self-Report Measures * Clinical Interviews * Neurological Exam * MRI screening at baseline, 18 months, 36 months * Fasted Blood draw
Primary outcome measures
Performance Measured by Change in Cognitive Executive Function Composite Z-Score
Time frame: baseline and 36 months
A composite Cognitive Executive Function Score will be reported based on data from two electronic assessments (Favorites and Match). Favorites tests both episodic and associative memory and consists of 2 learning trials followed by an immediate recall trial, 10 minute delayed recall, and delayed recognition trials. The Match assessment tests the processing speed and executive functions. The primary performance metric is the total correct score in 2 minutes. Scores are reported on a continuous scale with greater values indicating better performance. Demographically adjusted regression based z score for Favorites Total Recall and Match Total Correct are calculated to produce the composite score.
Change in total brain volume between baseline and 36 months
Time frame: baseline and 36 months
MRI structural integrity is measured using available analytic packages as well as newly validated outcome measures from the investigator's imaging core. MRI outcomes will reflect changes in the total brain volume from two time points. Less volumes will reflect greater brain loss and greater change over time will suggest a more rapid rate of progression.
Change in total cerebral spinal volume between baseline and 36 months
Time frame: baseline and 36 months
MRI structural integrity is measured using available analytic packages as well as newly validated outcome measures from the investigator's imaging core. MRI outcomes will reflect changes in the total cerebral spinal fluid volume from two time points. Less volumes will reflect greater brain loss and greater change over time will suggest a more rapid rate of progression.
Percent change in brain connectivity from baseline to 36 months
Time frame: baseline and 36 months
MRI functional integrity is measured using available analytic packages as well as newly validated outcome measures from the investigator's imaging core. MRI outcomes will reflect the strength of connectivity among different areas of the brain. Levels of connectivity will be associated with cognitive performances. Greater connectivity is associated with better cognition.
Change in Neurofilament Light (Nfl)
Time frame: baseline and 36 months
Blood will be analyzed using validated assays to measure the amount of NfL. Greater levels of NfL reflect worsened brain atrophy and change over time will demonstrate worsening over time.
Change in World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) Score
Time frame: baseline and 36 months
Functional capacity is assessed using the WHODAS instrument. The measure consists of 12 items and allows responses on a 5-point scale for each item, the total possible range of scores is converted to 0-100 where 0 is no disability and 100 is full disability. The change in total WHODAS score from baseline to 36 months will show the rate of progression in loss of capacity.
Change in CADASIL Severity Score
Time frame: baseline and 36 months
CADASIL severity is determined using established disease-specific scales involving the frequency, severity, and duration of clinical signs and symptoms of CADASIL. The CADASIL scale is a 12-item scale of CADASIL symptoms and signs. Each item is given a weighted score according to a large sample of patients in Europe. A summary of all items is the total CADASIL score which can range from 0-25. Higher scores represent greater CADASIL severity. Change in total score from baseline to 36 months is used to measure the rate of symptomatic worsening or improvements over time.
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
- for CADASIL Participants:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Positive NOTCH3 genetic testing; OR a positive skin biopsy; OR a willingness to have a NOTCH3 genetic test completed prior to enrolling AND are at-risk for, or diagnosed clinically with, CADASIL
- Willing to commit to three in-person visits (a baseline visit, an 18-month follow-up, and a 36-month follow-up) and to remote visits as needed by phone, email, mail or internet
- Willing to provide documentation of all current medications to study team a. All medications will be allowed throughout the course of study. Documentation of medications will be used for analyses to assess potential impact of medications on study outcomes.
- Willing and able to undergo an MRI scan and blood draw at each in-person visit
- Must have a designated "study companion" a. A "study companion" is someone who knows the participant well (has greater than or equal to 3 hours/month of contact with the CADASIL participant) and can provide additional information to the study team (either remotely or in-person).
- A functional capacity less than 4 on the Modified Rankin Scale Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Controls (HC): 1\. Must meet same criteria as CADASIL participants, EXCEPT have negative NOTCH3 genetic testing
Exclusion criteria
- History of severe learning disability, intellectual disability, or other neurological disease or event not attributable to CADASIL
- History of serious alcohol or drug abuse within the past year
- Unwilling to undergo NOTCH3 genetic testing if there is no test on file
Where
- Los Angeles, California
- San Francisco, California
- Denver, Colorado
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- New York, New York
- Portland, Oregon
- Providence, Rhode Island
- Houston, Texas
- San Antonio, Texas
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Related conditions & keywords
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 Jan 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations