Brain scan study aims to uncover secrets of memory loss diseases
NCT ID NCT03143374
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study uses a special brain scan called PET to measure a protein called tau, which builds up in the brains of people with diseases like Alzheimer's and frontotemporal degeneration. Researchers will look at how tau buildup relates to memory and thinking problems over time. The goal is to better understand these diseases, not to test a new treatment.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Participants
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About 300 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2016
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2030
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 100 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR NEURODEGENERATIVE SUBJECTS 1. Participants has been diagnosed with one of the following neurodegenerative diseases: FTD, PPA, CBD, PSP, MCI, AD, PCA, PD, PDD, DLB, MSA, ALS or FTD- ALS 2. Participants will be 18 years of age or older 3. Participants must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and provide written informed consent in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines prior to study-specific procedures. If the subject is unable to provide informed consent, the subject's legal representative may consent on behalf of the patient, but the patient will be asked to confirm assent. 4. Participants must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits and imaging procedures. 5. Subject is concurrently enrolled in centers UNICORN(842873) protocol. INCLUSION CRITERIA FOR HEALTHY CONTROL SUBJECTS 1. Participants will be 18 years of age or older. 2. Participants must be informed of the investigational nature of this study and provide written informed consent in accordance with institutional and federal guidelines prior to study-specific procedures. 3. Participants must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits and imaging procedures. 4. Subject is concurrently enrolled in centers UNICORN(842873) protocol EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR ALL SUBJECTS 1. Females who are pregnant or breast feeding at the time of the baseline PET/CT scan will not be eligible for this study. A urine pregnancy test will be performed in women of child-bearing potential at screening and within 24 hours of any scheduled PET/CT. 2. Inability to tolerate or contraindication to imaging procedures in the opinion of an investigator or treating physician 3. Any medical or psychological condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise the subject's safety or successful participation in the study 4. The investigators may choose to exclude participants with clinically significant cardiovascular disease and/or documented abnormalities on ECG out of an abundance of caution. 5. The investigators of UNICORN (IRB #842873) have determined the participant has evidence of structural abnormalities such as major stroke or mass on MRI that is likely to interfere with analysis of the PET scan. ADDITIONAL EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR HEALTHY CONTROL SUBJECTS 1. Pre-existing psychiatric conditions (e.g., active depression, schizophrenia, or active anxiety) or neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, epilepsy, head trauma) per medical record review or self-report. 2. Current use of psychoactive medications or substances per medical record review or self-report.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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