Brain scan could spot early dementia clues
NCT ID NCT03372317
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study uses a special PET scan to detect tau protein buildup in the brains of healthy older adults and those with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers will compare scan results with memory tests and brain activity patterns to understand how tau affects thinking. The goal is to learn more about early signs of dementia, not to test a treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 18F-MK-6240 (a radioactive tracer for PET scans)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help identify early signs of dementia and improve understanding of how tau buildup affects memory and thinking.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational imaging study, not a treatment trial. It may not lead directly to new therapies, and results may not apply to all populations.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Columbia University Medical Center
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10032, United States
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