High-Altitude living linked to fatal brain disorder in massive study

NCT ID NCT07657520

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: West China Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study follows 20,000 healthy Chinese adults aged 40-75 living at various altitudes to see if chronic low oxygen levels increase the risk of multiple system atrophy (MSA), a rare and fatal brain disease. Participants undergo checkups and overnight oxygen monitoring, then are tracked for one year for new MSA diagnoses. The goal is to validate whether long-term exposure to high-altitude hypoxia is a risk factor for this condition.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If this study confirms a link, it could point toward ways to prevent or predict multiple system atrophy in people living at high altitudes.
What could go wrong: This is an observational study, so it cannot prove cause and effect. The 12-month follow-up is short for a slowly developing disease, and results may not apply to other ethnic groups.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

altitude sickness multiple system atrophy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

West China Hospital of Sichuan University
RECRUITING

Chengdu, Sichuan, China

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.