Synaptic Health In NEurodegeneration (SHINE)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Synaptic Health In NEurodegeneration
IRAS ID
295897
Contact name
James Rowe
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 11 months, 29 days
Research summary
The loss or damage of synapses have been implicated in the development of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. They may be an early indicator of the development of disease. Our understanding of the role of synaptic loss in neurodegenerative diseases comes largely from post-mortem studies, animal models and research using cell-lines (which allow scientists to investigate biological processes).
The primary aim of this project is to understand the relationship between synaptic health and the progression of human neurodegenerative diseases.
We use advanced brain imaging tools to measure early signs of synaptic function. Specific biochemically developed markers will measure changes to the amounts of important brain proteins in synapses, in diverse forms of dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The functional imaging techniques allow one to quantify and localise the decline in brain activity and estimate the number of synapses, in life. Breakdown products from synapses released into the fluid around the brain (cerebrospinal fluid, CSF) will also be measured and analysed for correlation with disease and the brain imaging data.
The study will be conducted in dedicated brain imagining facilities at the University of Oxford (Department of Psychiatry) and University of Cambridge (Clinical Neurosciences Department). Where required, participants may scanned at a partner sites to these two Universities based at Invciro (on the Hammersmith Hospital campus, London).
Participants will be invited for a screening visit on the basis of their relevant diagnosis and registry data, including: severity/stage, age, family history of dementia and cognitive assessment. Individuals with genetic history as well as mild to moderate dementia will be included. Self-reported gender will be monitored to ensure approximate balance among groups. Participants will require sufficient proficiency in English to allow standardised cognitive testing. Once enrolled after written informed consent, participants will be followed up for a 24 month period.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/EE/0054
Date of REC Opinion
9 Jun 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion