NCT04124029 · VA Office of Research and Development
Contributions of mTBI to Neurodegeneration Due to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
What this study is about
This is a research study that aims to examine whether Veterans with mild Traumatic Brain Injuries are at risk for dementia by studying their memory, brain wave activity, brain structure and proteins that can be elevated after brain injury and in dementia.
View original scientific description
This is a research study that aims to examine whether Veterans with mild Traumatic Brain Injuries are at risk for dementia by studying their memory, brain wave activity, brain structure and proteins that can be elevated after brain injury and in dementia.
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
- All Subjects:
- Intact color vision
- Visual acuity of 20/30 (or better)
- Patients must pass effort measures on the TOMM
- Patients must have intact decision-making capacity
- Patients must have no contraindications to lumbar puncture including:
- Being on a blood thinner
- Aspirin or Plavix
- Have no space occupying lesion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- An International Normalized Ratio (INR) value \< 1.4 and platelet count \>50,000
- No epidural infection or overlying cellulitis over the lumbar spine
- PTSD will be accounted for as a potential confounder and its presence will be included as a covariate in all analyses Mild TBI Subjects:
- Subjects will be recruited who have a physician diagnosis of 1 or more mTBI episodes without concomitant moderate or severe TBI diagnosis
- Mild TBI: Loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes, posttraumatic amnesia greater than 24 hours, and/or altered mental status greater than 24 hours Moderate TBI Subjects:
- Subjects will be recruited who have a physician diagnosis of 1 or more moderate TBI episodes
- Moderate TBI: loss of consciousness greater than 30 minutes, posttraumatic amnesia greater than 24 hours, and altered mental status greater than 24 hours MCI Subjects:
- Subjects will be recruited that meet diagnostic criteria for MCI (without a history of TBI) based on the judgement of a behavioral neurologist following the 2011 MCI criteria
- Specifically, subjects will test in the impaired range on one or more cognitive domains on neuropsychological testing and will not have impairments in function, i.e. will not meet diagnostic criteria for dementia
- Subjects with MCI may or may not meet diagnostic criteria for MCI due to AD
- MCI subjects will be matched for their MoCA score with older TBI subjects Healthy Controls:
- Cognitively normal control subjects, age-, education- and sex-matched with mild TBI subjects, but lacking and TBI history
- All subjects must be within 1 standard deviation of normal on all neuropsychologic testing in order to be enrolled The investigators will recruit all subjects without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other factors to allow results of this research to yield the greatest generalizability
Exclusion criteria
- All Subjects:
- If the primary language is not English
- Are unable to understand the informed consent process
- Have a clinically significant problem with any of the following conditions:
- A history of TBI within 1 year of study
- Suicidal or homicidal ideation requiring intervention
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Active alcohol or drug abuse
- Clinically significant neurological disease other than those stated in the inclusion criteria
- Impaired decision-making ability
- Patients will be excluded if there are contraindications to MRI including:
- Aneurysm clips
- Non-TBI subjects must not have had an TBI
- No contraindication to lumbar puncture or blood draw including:
- Being on a blood thinner
- Aspirin or Plavix
- No space occupying lesion on MRI that makes lumbar puncture contraindicated
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
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 Sep 26, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations