Vascular and Cognitive Prognosis in Early and Asymptomatic Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Description:
The VasCOG-CAA project aims to investigate the relationship between blood pressure patterns, including fluctuations (highs and lows), and brain vascular health measured by magnetic resonance imaging and cognitive tests.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common vascular brain pathology that causes stroke and cognitive impairment in adults over 50 years old. The accumulation of toxic aggregates of amyloid protein in the walls of small arteries and venules affected by CAA can lead to brain hemorrhages and cognitive decline. Fluctuating blood pressure appears to be associated with this disease and may increase the risk of dementia and stroke.
This project aims to investigate whether blood pressure variability is associated with the progression of CAA and impaired brain health.
Procedure:
- At least five visits
- Clinical consultations
- Two blood pressure monitoring periods via telemonitoring, each lasting three weeks
- A detailed neuropsychological assessment
- A blood test
- Magnetic resonance imaging scans
Eligibility criteria:
- Be at least 50-year-old
- Have mild cognitive complaints or symptoms
- Be able to use a wearable home blood pressure monitor
- Capable of providing informed consent independently or via a legally authorized representative
- No confirmed diagnosis of hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy, whether through genetic testing, neuropathology, or family history
- No contrindications to MRI
Compensation:
The cost of MRI scans and blood tests is covered. In addition, for study visits, participants will be reimbursed for their public transportation and meal expenses.
Place:
Hôpitaux Universitaires Genève, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1205 Genève