MarkVCID: Biomarkers for Vascular Contribution to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

Help show biomarkers can be used as an accessible and affordable way to give families answers with four annual assessments.

Currently, dementia is only diagnosable after patients experience devastating symptoms and severe, non-reversable damage to the brain has already occurred.

About the MarkVCID study

Age-related problems in thinking and memory represent some of the greatest risks to public health in the U.S. and throughout the world. Diseases that affect small blood vessels in the brain have been shown to be major contributors to these changes. However, research and patient care can be held back by limited “biomarkers” that identify who should be treated

With your help, during four annual visits we will study your blood and brain images to confirm biomarkers can tell us healthy aging from signs of dementia.

What are biomarkers?

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias leave signatures on brain scans or in the blood called biomarkers.

Like blood is used to detect glucose levels for diabetes, your biomarkers will be used to learn how we can detect dementia before the life-changing symptoms and damage begins.

Eligibility

60-90 years old, with or without memory-loss concerns.

Participation

Participation includes one screening assessment followed by three annual assessments.

Appointments include:

• Blood draw
• Clinical and health questionnaire
• Memory and thinking tests
• MRI scan with cerebrovascular reactivity task

*Abnormal results will be shared for your health planning.

Compensation

Volunteers will receive $100 per visit

Need assistance with travel expenses?

Additional compensation for travel expenses is available on request.

Frequently asked questions

What is an MRI scan? 

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan is a safe, non-invasive and painless way to take pictures of the brain.

Each MRI scan provides valuable information about how your brain changes over time.

Are MRI scans safe?

Yes, an MRI scan is extremely safe. MRI scans do not use radiation or radioactive substances.

The machine will make noise, but this is normal. Earplugs will be provided for your comfort.

To get the images we need, the scan will take up to 75 minutes.

What is a cerebrovascular reactivity task?

During the MRI scan, you will be asked to do a breathing exercise for about 10 minutes.

Meet Your Clinical Research Team

Monica Goss, PhD

Claudia Satizabal, PhD

Hector Treviño, MPH