PET Imaging in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA)

What this study involves

The registry says this study is recruiting. Individual locations may have different availability.

Study type

Observational

Phase

Not applicable / not listed

Age range

55 years - 110 years

Sex eligible

All sexes

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

Participants

400 Estimated

These are starting points, not an eligibility decision. The research team must review the full requirements.

About the research

Background:

Some people experience cognitive decline as they age. That is, they lose memory, problem-solving, and other mental abilities. Amyloids are groups of proteins that develop in the brain and increase in number as people age. Researchers want to use imaging scans to track amyloids in people s brains over time. Their goal is to find out if any changes are related to cognitive decline or other medical issues.

Objective:

To learn how amyloids may affect brain structure and function as people age.

Eligibility:

People aged 55 years and older who are enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Design:

Participants will have imaging scans and other tests every 1 to 4 years, depending on their age. Those 80 and older will be scanned yearly. These scans will be done during regular BLSA visits.

The scans will be positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET CT). Participants will be given fluid through a tube inserted into a vein in their arm. The fluid is a tracer that will cause the amyloids to light up in the images. Then they will lie on a bed with their head inside a PET CT scanner. They will lie still for about 30 minutes.

Participants will have tests to assess their memory and other mental skills. They will answer questions about their mood and daily life. These tests will take about 40 minutes to complete; they may be done in person or by phone.

Participants will give a contact number for someone who can answer questions about the participant s daily routine. These questions may be answered in person or by phone.

Participants will be in this study for 5 years.

Who may be able to participate?

The list below is the sponsor’s full registry wording. It can include conditions, prior treatment, test results and other requirements. A match in search does not mean you qualify.

• INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• Participants are men and women 55 years and older drawn from the BLSA sample and thus, represent the gender/ethnic characteristics of this study group. Enrollment is defined as the initial imaging session of the planned longitudinal study.
• Inclusion criteria. BLSA participants who do not meet exclusion criteria and have had or agreed to have an MRI under the BLSA study.
• Participants who lack capacity to consent will not be enrolled in the study. If the participant loses capacity to consent over the course of follow-up they will be removed from the study. Competency to consent is assessed as part of the BLSA visit and we will not include people who are not competent to provide consent.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

• Preexisting central nervous system diseases
• Weight over 300 lbs.
• Active metastatic cancer (except basal cell cancer)
• Implanted electronic hearing devices
• Breast Cancer with radiation treatment
• Lymphoma
• Pacemaker
• Brain tumor
• Shrapnel
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar disorder
• Epilepsy
• Language barrier that makes it difficult to understand participant.
• Aneurisms greater than 3mm
• Aneurysm clips
• Parkinson s disease/PD medications
• Huntington s disease
• Severe Endocrinopathy- treated thyroid conditions ok; treated, controlled diabetes ok. (exclude HbA1c over 8 which is poorly controlled diabetes)
• Diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment
• Younger than 55 years of age
• Pregnancy
• Ineligible for MRI
• History of stroke or documented TIAs requiring hospitalization
• Known brain vascular malformations or adenomas
• History of significant radiation exposure
• Those with a Blessed score of 4 or more with the BLSA will be reviewed at a research diagnostic case conference to rule out dementia diagnoses prior to enrollment.
• Participants undergoing chronic treatment with a CYP1A2 inducer will be ineligible for Tauklarify PET, but this does not constitute an exclusion criterion for Neuraceq PET.

Study population

Men and women over age 55.

Treatment, groups and participation

The registry may describe treatments and study duration without a complete visit calendar. Ask the study team for the exact schedule, procedures, risks, costs and alternatives. Keep your usual care plan unless your treating clinician tells you otherwise.

Assignment

Not reported

Masking

Not reported

What researchers are measuring

Outcome measures describe what is being studied. They are not proof that a treatment works.

Primary measures

Research locations (1)

The overall study status and a local site’s status can differ. Confirm that location’s availability before traveling.

1 locations

Study team and timeline

Lead sponsor

National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Study start

Nov 15, 2026 Estimated

Primary completion

Dec 12, 2029 Estimated

Study completion

Dec 12, 2029 Estimated

First posted

Aug 1, 2025 Actual

Last updated

Nov 10, 2026 Actual

Official study contacts