Recruiting

Brain imaging to understand inflammation in memory loss

Plain-English translation of NCT07169630 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

Researchers want to understand whether a specific type of brain inflammation—measured by a protein called PDE4B—is higher in people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. To find out, you would receive two specialized brain scans (PET scans) and one MRI scan, along with memory and thinking tests and blood draws. The scans use a harmless radioactive tracer to light up where this inflammation might be happening in your brain.

We still don't fully understand what causes memory loss and Alzheimer's disease. Scientists think brain inflammation may play an important role. This study is looking for a way to spot and measure that inflammation early, which could eventually help doctors diagnose and treat these conditions better.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 50 years old or older
you have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease by a neurologist or psychiatrist (or you are a healthy volunteer with no memory problems)
you are in generally good health
you are able to understand the study and willing to sign a consent form
you are able to travel to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and lie still for up to two hours during brain scans

You likely don't qualify if…

you have taken anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs in the past two weeks, or aspirin, steroids, or immunosuppressants in the past month
you have other serious brain or medical diseases that could affect your thinking and memory
you have an unstable medical condition, active infection, or untreated cancer
you have recently had other research-related radiation exposure that would exceed safe limits when combined with this study
you have a substance use disorder or alcohol use disorder

What participation looks like

You would visit the NIH for study appointments where you'll have two specialized brain imaging scans (PET scans) and one standard MRI scan, along with memory and thinking tests and blood work. The whole process takes several hours, and during the scans you'll need to lie still on a camera bed. You'll also be asked to avoid certain medications before your visit and follow some lifestyle guidelines. The study involves only observation and testing—no medication to take.

Brain imaging to understand inflammation in memory loss

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)