NCT03507257 · Indiana University
Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease Study Protocol
(LEADS)
What this study is about
The Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) is a non-randomly assigned, natural history, non-treatment study designed to look at disease progression in individuals with early onset cognitive impairment.
View original scientific description
The Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer's Disease Study (LEADS) is a non-randomized, natural history, non-treatment study designed to look at disease progression in individuals with early onset cognitive impairment. Clinical, cognitive, imaging, biomarker, and genetic characteristics will be assessed across three cohorts: (1) early onset Alzheimer's Disease (EOAD) participants, (2) early onset non-Alzheimer's Disease (EOnonAD) participants, and (3) cognitively normal (CN) control participants.
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 Cognitively Impaired (EOAD and EOnonAD) Cohorts Only:
- Meets NIA-AA criteria for MCI due to AD or probable AD dementia
- Have a global CDR score ≤ 1.0
- Have capacity to provide informed consent (IC) or has a legal authorized representative or guardian who provides IC
- Age between 40-64 years (inclusive) at the time of consent
- Must have a study partner (informant) who spends a minimum average of 10 hours per week with the participant (e.g., family member, significant other, friend, caregiver) who is generally aware of the participants' daily activities and can provide information about the participant's cognitive and functional performance. If the participant does not have a study partner who spends at least 10 face-to-face hours per week, other arrangements for identifying a viable study partner will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Site PI
- Willing and able to complete longitudinal study procedures aside from LP which is an optional procedure
- Not pregnant or lactating. Women must be two years post-menopausal, be surgically sterile, or have a negative pregnancy test prior to each PET scan
- Fluent in English or Spanish if enrolled in the U.S.
- Fluent in English, Spanish, Dutch or Swedish for sites outside the U.S., according to site's spoken language(s). Inclusion Criteria for Cognitively Normal (CN) Cohort Only:
- Meets criteria for cognitively normal, based on an absence of significant impairment in cognitive functions or activities of daily living
- Have a global CDR score = 0
- Have capacity to provide informed consent
- Have a Mini-Mental State Exam score between 26-30 (inclusive). Exceptions may be made for participant with less than 8 years of education at the discretion of the Site PI
- Age between 40-64 years (inclusive) at the time of consent
- Must have a study partner (informant) who spends a minimum average of 10 hours per week with the participant (e.g., family member, significant other, friend, caregiver) who is generally aware of the participants' daily activities and can provide information about the participant's cognitive and functional performance. If the participant does not have a study partner who spends 10 face-to-face hours per week, other arrangements for identifying a viable study partner will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Site PI
- Willing and able to complete longitudinal study procedures aside from LP which is an optional procedure
- Not pregnant or lactating. Women must be two years post-menopausal, be surgically sterile, or have a negative pregnancy test prior to each PET scan
- Fluent in English or Spanish if enrolled in the U.S.
- Fluent in English, Spanish, Dutch or Swedish for sites outside the U.S., according to site's spoken language(s).
Exclusion criteria
- for all (EOAD, EOnonAD and CN) cohorts:
- Meets core clinical criteria for non-AD dementia
- Two or more first degree relatives with a history of early-onset dementia suggestive of autosomal dominant transmission, unless known pathogenic mutations in APP, PSEN1, PSEN2, MAPT, GRN and C9ORF72 have been excluded
- Known CLIA certified mutation in an ADAD gene (APP, PSEN1, PSEN2), or other autosomal dominant genes associated with other neurodegenerative disorders (MAPT, GRN, C9ORF72)
- Contraindications to 3T MRI (e.g., claustrophobia, pacemaker, select aneurismal clip, artificial heart valve, select ear implants, select stents incompatible with 3T MRI, metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin or body, etc.)
- Lifetime medical history of a brain disorder other than the disorder causing dementia except for headache (exceptions are allowed at the discretion of the Site PI - e.g., seizure disorder thought to be due to EOAD).
- MRI scan with evidence of infection or focal lesions, cortical strokes, multiple lacunes (single lacune is allowable unless it meets criteria for strategic lacune affecting cognition)
- Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition, which could lead to difficulty complying with the protocol (at the discretion of the Site PI)
- Research radiation exposure will be assessed by the study physician. If the candidate participant has had more than one nuclear medicine study in the prior 12 months for research-related purposes, study inclusion will require approval from the PET Core
- Investigational agents are prohibited 30 days prior to entry
- Previous enrollment in a therapeutic trial targeting amyloid or tau.
- Participation in other clinical studies with neuropsychological measures, with the exception of participants who are co-enrolled in the NACC Uniform Data Set (UDS) protocol (Note: This criterion is intended to reduce repeat measures effects during neuropsychological testing. Exceptions are allowed at the discretion of the Site PI)
- Lifetime history of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (DSM-5 criteria)
- Current history (in previous 12 months) of DSM-5 diagnosis of mania, bipolar disorder with or without psychotic features
- Current history (in previous 6 months) of moderate or severe substance abuse (nicotine or caffeine is allowed)
- Suicidal behaviors in the past 12 months or active suicidal ideations
- Residing in a 24-hour care skilled nursing facility (at the time of screening)
- (For optional lumbar puncture procedure only): a. Clinical laboratory values must be within normal limits or, if abnormal, must be judged to be not clinically significant by the Site PI i. Platelet count \<100,000/ml ii. INR\>1.2 iii. Abnormal PT or PTT at screening b. Contraindications to the procedure, including but not limited to severe degenerative joint disease, deformity of the spine, history of a bleeding disorder c. Suspected elevated intracranial pressure, Arnold Chiari malformation or mass lesion d. Use of the anticoagulant medications such as but not limited to warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran
- Deemed ineligible by the Site PI for any other reason
Where
- Sun City, Arizona
- Los Angeles, California
- Palo Alto, California
- San Francisco, California
- Washington D.C., District of Columbia
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Miami Beach, Florida
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Indianapolis, Indiana
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Boston, Massachusetts
And 6 more locations — see the full list below.
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 Feb 18, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations