Cognitive Outcomes for Stroke
(DISCOVERY Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine what affects thinking and memory after a stroke. Researchers seek to identify factors, such as stroke type and existing brain health, that might lead to dementia (serious memory and thinking problems) following a stroke. Participants will contribute by providing blood samples, undergoing brain scans, and completing memory tests. The trial is suitable for individuals who have recently experienced a stroke, such as a blood clot or bleeding in the brain, and can attend an initial visit within six weeks of their stroke. As an unphased study, this trial offers participants the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance future stroke care.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
A previous study demonstrated that collecting blood samples is very safe when done correctly. This involves using the right tools, such as gloves, alcohol wipes, and needles with safety features. Common issues, like bruising or swelling at the draw site, can occur but are usually minor.
Research has shown that brain imaging, such as a brain CT scan, is also safe. It uses a small amount of radiation, which is carefully controlled to minimize risks.
Cognitive assessments, which test memory and thinking, are safe and involve no physical risks. They simply require answering questions or completing tasks on paper or a computer.
Overall, all methods used in this study have been well-tolerated with minimal risks.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it could reveal how stroke affects cognition and recovery through various innovative methods. Unlike standard stroke treatments that focus on immediate physical interventions, this trial uses blood sample collection, brain imaging, and cognitive assessments to explore the long-term impacts on brain function. By identifying specific vascular and cognitive outcomes, it could lead to new strategies for improving recovery and quality of life in stroke patients.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cognitive outcomes after stroke?
Research shows that the size, type, and location of a stroke greatly affect recovery of thinking and memory skills. Individuals with certain genetic or biological risk factors might experience further declines in brain health after a stroke, impacting cognitive abilities. Brain scans and cognitive tests enable doctors to detect early signs of brain health decline. This detection aids in creating personalized treatment plans to enhance recovery for stroke patients. Although this study does not test a specific treatment, these methods help researchers understand and potentially improve cognitive recovery after a stroke.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Natalia Rost, MD, MPH
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Steven Greenberg, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete a blood draw and a series of cognitive and functional assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for longitudinal cognitive and functional outcomes with in-person and telephone follow-up visits
Advanced Imaging and Assessment
Tier 2 participants undergo brain MRI scanning and comprehensive cognitive assessments; Tier 3 participants complete specialized brain imaging (amyloid- and tau-PET/CT scans)
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Blood Sample Collection
- Brain Imaging
- Cognitive Assessment
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Collaborator
Citations
Cognitive effects of stereotactic radiosurgery in adult patients ...
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Effect of Radiosurgery Alone vs Radiosurgery With Whole ...
Among patients with 1 to 3 brain metastases, the use of SRS alone, compared with SRS combined with WBRT, resulted in less cognitive deterioration at 3 months.
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Effect of Radiosurgery Alone vs Radiosurgery With Whole Brain Radiation Therapy on Cognitive Function in Patients With 1 to 3 Brain ...
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In prospective randomised controlled trials, it was shown that Stereotactic Radiosurgery is as effective as whole brain radiotherapy, in terms of local tumour ...
Whole Brain Irradiation or Stereotactic RadioSurgery for ...
To evaluate neurocognitive performance, daily activity and quality of life (QoL), other than usual oncologic outcomes, among patients with brain metastasis ≥5 ...
WHO guidelines on drawing blood: best practices in ...
The new WHO guidelines provide recommended steps for safe phlebotomy and reiterate accepted principles for drawing, collecting blood and transporting blood.
Phlebotomy - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
The basic tools required for a successful and safe blood draw include a tourniquet, an appropriate needle, gloves, alcohol wipes, and the ...
DPDx - Diagnostic Procedures - Blood Specimens
Blood Specimens – Safety · Wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, laboratory coats. · If you have cuts or abrasions on the skin of ...
Blood Specimen Collection: Venipuncture Syringe Method ...
The use of safer needleless devices, such as those with a reliable integrated safety feature, is recommended. The patient's veins used for venipuncture requires ...
Blood Specimen Collection (Venipuncture)
Previous problems associated with a blood specimen collection (fainting, pain lasting several days, bruising or swelling at the site).
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