Brain Blood Vessel Responses to Changes in Blood Flow Study

This study is looking at how blood vessels in the brain respond to changes in blood flow. Researchers will measure blood flow and blood velocity in the brain using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) while participants perform breathing exercises and a simulated change in body position. You might receive either prazosin, a drug, or a placebo (an inactive substance). The study aims to understand why some older adults experience a faster decline in brain blood flow, which could increase their risk of memory problems. To join, you need to be between 55 and 69 years old, a non-smoker, and meet certain health and physical requirements. The study plans to enroll 36 participants, but its current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 36 participants. It is not specified if it is randomized or blinded.
What's involved
You would undergo an MRI scan while performing breathing and a simulated postural change task. You would also receive a dose of prazosin or a placebo. These measurements will occur over two study visits, each lasting up to 240 minutes.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoints are measured at two study visits, up to 240 minutes.

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NCT06629077

Brain Blood Vessel Responses to Changes in Blood Flow

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 55–69InterventionalBasic science
University of Wisconsin, Madison
~36 participants
Updated 2026-03-02 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:MRIPrazosinPlacebo

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in blood flow
Measured over Two study visits, up to 240 minutes
+1 more outcome measured
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Cerebrovascular Circulation
1 sites across 1 states
Wisconsin1
  • Jill Barnes, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · UW Madison

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Between the ages of 55-69 years
Have a BMI less than or equal to 34.5 kg/m2
Nonsmoker
are less than 72 in (182.88 cm) height
Females must be postmenopausal

Exclusion

Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease (AD)
History or evidence of hepatic disease, hematological disease, or peripheral vascular disease; severe kidney injury requiring hemodialysis
History of cardiovascular disease including: severe congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease (stents, coronary artery bypass grafts) and tachycardia
Uncontrolled hypertension
History of clinically significant ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke, or significant cerebrovascular disease
Severe untreated obstructive sleep apnea
History of diabetes with HbA1c greater than 9.5%
Major neurologic disorders other than dementia (e.g., MS, ALS, brain surgery, etc.)
Current or recent (\<1 year) major psychiatric condition (Axis I) or addictive disorders
Significant surgical history
Other significant medical conditions at investigators' discretion
Contraindications to MRI
Prescribed medications that interfere with prazosin
Lactose allergy
lower body will not fit in lower body negative pressure (LBNP) chamber (regardless of overall height and BMI).
  • Change in blood flowTwo study visits, up to 240 minutes

    The change in intracranial blood flow during breathing and simulated postural change tasks will be measured with MRI

  • Change in blood velocityTwo study visits, up to 240 minutes

    The change in blood velocity during breathing and simulated postural change tasks will be measured with MRI.