Purpose

This study aims to develop and evaluate biomarkers using non-invasive optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) as well as ultra-widefield (UWF) fundus photography to assess the structure and function of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature and structure in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), or other neurodegenerative disease, diseases as outlined.

Conditions

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 18 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

  • Adults with neurodegenerative disease ((MCI, PD, AD, FTD, DLB, ALS, MS, HD, TBI, concussion, PTSD and other neurodegenerations as well as Down Syndrome) - Adults without neurodegenerative disease

Exclusion Criteria

  • Inability to cooperate with or complete testing or other neurologic or age- related ocular conditions that would impact image acquisition. - Eyes that have had intraocular surgery, other than cataract surgery. If two eyes satisfy the inclusion criteria, both eyes will be included in the study. If one eye satisfies the inclusion criteria, the eye that qualifies will be included in the study.

Study Design

Phase
Study Type
Observational
Observational Model
Case-Control
Time Perspective
Prospective

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Case Patients with (MCI, PD, AD, FTD, DLB, ALS, MS, HD, TBI, concussion, PTSD and other neurodegenerations as well as Down Syndrome)
  • Device: Retinal and Choroidal Imaging
    Non-invasive OCT, OCTA, and UWF fundus photography of retina
Controls Controls will be recruited from the relatives/attendants of study participants or will be patients themselves and will not have a neurodegenerative disease diagnosis.
  • Device: Retinal and Choroidal Imaging
    Non-invasive OCT, OCTA, and UWF fundus photography of retina

Recruiting Locations

Duke University Medical Center
Durham 4464368, North Carolina 4482348 27705
Contact:
Sharon Fekrat, MD FACS FASRS
919-681-3937
imind@duke.edu

More Details

NCT ID
NCT03233646
Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Duke University

Study Contact

Sharon Fekrat, MD FACS FASRS
919-681-3937
imind@duke.edu

Detailed Description

Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study aims to yield new insight into the vascular and structural pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disease. The investigators propose to develop and evaluate imaging biomarkers from OCT, OCTA, and UWF fundus photos to assess the structure and function of the retinal and choroidal microvasculature and structure in these individuals. The investigators hypothesize that microvascular and structural network alterations in the retina and choroid may mirror and possibly precede changes in the cerebral microcirculation seen in these neurodegenerative diseases. Using advanced image analysis and machine learning techniques, the investigators aim to evaluate markers of reduced capillary blood flow and non-perfusion in the superficial retinal vascular plexus and choriocapillaris imaged using OCT and OCTA, in a resolution not previously possible, that would complement already established retinal structural markers and increase their sensitivity and specificity in the earlier detection of these neurodegenerative diseases. This study looks to provide a proof of concept for retinal and choroidal imaging-based microvascular and structural biomarkers as an effective screening tool for neurodegenerative disease, particularly during in cognitive aging. The protocol for this study was amended and the record was updated accordingly.

Notice

Study information shown on this site is derived from ClinicalTrials.gov (a public registry operated by the National Institutes of Health). The listing of studies provided is not certain to be all studies for which you might be eligible. Furthermore, study eligibility requirements can be difficult to understand and may change over time, so it is wise to speak with your medical care provider and individual research study teams when making decisions related to participation.