New PET scan tracks brain cell loss in Alzheimer's
NCT ID NCT04871074
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed Phase 2 study tested whether a special PET scan using a tracer called UCB-J can measure synaptic density—the connections between brain cells—in people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers scanned 100 participants across different stages, from healthy to dementia, to see if this method could predict cognitive decline better than standard MRI or spinal fluid tests. The goal was to improve early detection and understanding of Alzheimer's progression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
UCB-J (a radioactive tracer for PET imaging)
What this could lead to
If successful, this imaging technique could help doctors detect Alzheimer's earlier and monitor how the disease progresses by measuring brain cell connections.
What could go wrong
This is an observational imaging study, not a treatment trial. The results may not lead to immediate clinical changes, and the technique needs further validation in larger, more diverse groups.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States