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Tau PET Imaging and Cognition Study for Healthy Adults and Those with Mild Cognitive Impairment

This observational study is looking at how a new imaging agent, 18F-MK-6240, can help detect tau protein buildup in the brain. Tau is a protein linked to Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Researchers will use PET scans with 18F-MK-6240 to see how much tau is present in people aged 55-90, including those with normal thinking abilities and those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). They will then compare these tau levels with how well people perform on memory and thinking tests, and with brain activity seen on fMRI scans. The goal is to understand how tau affects thinking and behavior, and if it increases the risk of future memory decline. The study plans to enroll 105 participants, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study with a planned enrollment of 105 participants, aged 55-90.
What's involved
You would undergo PET scans using 18F-MK-6240, cognitive tests, and fMRI scans. The study will track these measures for up to 5 years.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for up to 5 years to assess tau presence, cognition, and functional imaging.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT03372317

Tau PET in Imaging and Cognition: Healthy Adults From 55-90

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 55–90Observational
Yaakov Stern
~105 participants
Updated 2026-02-11 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:18F-MK-6240

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Total number of individuals with tau present
Measured over Up to 5 years
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment
Aging

Explore related trials

Mild cognitive disorder

NCT03372317

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Columbia University Medical Center

    New York, New Yorkstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Yaakov Stern, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Columbia University

Who to contact

Reshma Babukutty
[email protected]
212-305-6314
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Aged 55-90
Previously received an amyloid PET scan
Residing near Columbia University Medical Center
Must be willing and able to participate

Exclusion

Have a contraindication to PET (e.g, metallic implants, pacemaker, claustrophobia, or cannot lie flat for one hour)
Pregnancy
Lactating Women
Current, past, or anticipated exposure to radiation
Significant active physical illness

What this trial measures

  • Total number of individuals with tau presentUp to 5 years

    Based on the scans, the total number of subjects with identifiable tau in their scans will be measured.

  • CognitionUp to 5 years

    Relation of Tau PET to measures of cognition such as memory and reasoning

  • Functional imaging (fMRI)Up to 5 years

    Relation of Tau PET to imaging acquired during task performance