Subjective memory complaints: 10 year follow up of a clinical cohort
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A longitudinal study of MRI and psychometric measures as predictors of decline in individuals with symptoms of memory loss without evidence of cognitive deficits. A follow up study.
IRAS ID
148808
Contact name
Nick Fox
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Research summary
In 2003 we set up a longitudinal study designed to assess whether symptoms of memory loss in the absence of measurable memory impairment were indicative of the future development of dementia. We recruited 56 subjects presenting to the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and linked memory clinics between 2003-2004, comprising 21 subjects with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) (considered to be an Alzheimer’s disease prodrome) and 35 subjects with symptoms of cognitive impairment but no objective cognitive impairment (SNCI). We also recruited 30 age and sex matched healthy volunteers. These subjects were followed for a period of three years with annual MRI imaging, neuropsychological and clinical assessments.
As a result of this work we have been able to identify clinical, neuropsychological and neuroimaging biomarkers which help in the identification of subjects at the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. However, although this initial study revealed several novel findings, the follow up conducted at this time was for a two year period only. The cohort is now almost 10 years on from the original recruitment and reassessing these subjects could potentially provide key information on the evolution and course of Alzheimer's disease from its earliest stages.
We aim to undertake this study in several phases. First as we are unsure of the number of subjects still available to take part in this study, we plan to contact each subject or if this is not possible their informant/physician to ascertain their current health status by means of a questionnaire. If available and willing to participate in the study we will organise for a visit to be carried out. At this visit neuropsychological and clinical assessments as appropriate, will be conducted with the option of MRI scan of the brain, replicating as closely as possible the assessment from the parent study.REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0751
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion