Scientists use new tracer to peek at brain inflammation in Alzheimer's

NCT ID NCT07169630

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 34 times

Summary

This study tests a new radioactive tracer to see if it can measure brain inflammation in people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Researchers will compare scans from 90 volunteers (patients and healthy older adults) to understand how inflammation relates to memory problems. The goal is not to treat the disease, but to develop a better way to see inflammation in the living brain.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
18F-PF974 (a radioactive tracer for PET scans)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help researchers better understand how inflammation contributes to Alzheimer's and mild cognitive impairment, potentially guiding future treatments.
What could go wrong
This is an early Phase 1 imaging study, not a treatment trial. It may not show clear differences between groups, and the tracer may not reliably measure inflammation.

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.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    RECRUITING

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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