Cerebrovascular Lab at IEEM

Open Studies


Dynamic Vasomotor Reactivity (DVR) in Alzheimer Disease

(IRB 2018-0218)

The Dynamic Vasomotor Reactivity (DVR) in Alzheimer Disease study is collecting blood flow information of older adults who are either cognitively normal, or with mild cognitive impairment, or with mild Alzheimer's disease. Researchers would like to know if the change in participants’ blood flow correlates with the change shown on study tests and brain imaging over the course of 3 years.

Study procedures include:

  • Medical and Family History Interview
  • Neurological Exam
  • Memory and Blood Tests
  • MRI and PET-Scan
  • Dynamic Vasomotor Reactivity: Non-invasive exams of your blood flow
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Pupillometry: Non-invasive techniques to scan your pupil and retina

Basic qualifications of this research study are:

  • Ages of 55-85, fluent in English
  • Have a close family member who can serve as a study partner and answer questions about your memory and your problem-solving ability
  • Women must be at least two years postmenopausal or surgically sterile
  • No pacemaker or metal fragments in your body, or claustrophobic for an MRI
  • No history or ongoing major depression, bipolar disorder, stroke, or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
  • No alcohol or substance abuse/dependence within the past 2 years

For more information on this study, contact Gisella Rodriguez-Larrain and the Research Team at 214-645-0375,
or email Gisella.Rodriguez-Larrain@UTSouthwestern.edu

This study is conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and is funded by the National Institute on Aging. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Impact of Intensive Treatment of Systolic Blood Pressure on Brain Perfusion, Amyloid, and Tau in older Adults (IPAT) Study

Study Doctors: Rong Zhang, Ph.D., Wanpen Vongpatanasin, M.D., David Zhu, Ph.D.

The IPAT study aims to see if intensive reduction of systolic blood pressure SBP reduces brain amyloid-beta and tau deposition in older adults who are at risk for dementia. We will measure brain blood flow, brain structure and function, and cognitive functioning – to determine the effects of intensive lowering of blood pressure.

Study Procedures include:
  • Medical and family history
  • MRI Scans
  • PET-CT Scans
  • Memory tests
  • Non-invasive vascular testing
Basic qualifications:
  • Ages of 60- 80
  • Close blood relative with dementia OR a subjective memory concern
  • Hypertension : Systolic blood pressure greater than 130
  • Be able to undergo an MRI scan – no mental implants or claustrophobia
  • No sleep apnea, Major neurological disorders, history of stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, or recent heart disease

Take the prescreening questionnaire.

For more information on this study, email Meg McGregor or call the research team at 214-345-4973.