Research

Medical Sciences

Title :	Utility of 18F-FDG PET brain molecular imaging, genetic and bioChemical markers in predicting short-term progression of mild cognitive impairment
Area of Research :	Medical Sciences
Focus Area :	Neurodegenerative Disorders
Principal Investigator :	Dr. Julie Hephzibah, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (632004)
Co-PI:	Dr. A T Prabhakar, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (632004), Dr. Christhunesa Soundararajan Christudass, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (632004), Dr. Junita Rachel John, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (632004), Mr. Raja Solomon, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (632004), Dr. Vishnu A R, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (632004), Dr. Vivek Mathew, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu (632004)
Contact info :	drjulsan@cmcvellore.ac.in; atprabhakar@gmail.com; cschristudass@cmcvellore.ac.in; junitajohn@yahoo.co.in; raja.solomon@cmcvellore.ac.in; vishnu.tprb23@gmail.com; vmathew@cmcvellore.ac.in
Timeline Start Year :	2023
Timeline End Year :	2026
Total Budget (INR):	53,72,976

Details

Executive Summary :

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a stage between normal aging and the more serious decline of dementia, with a prevalence rate of 1-10 in India. Approximately 10-15% of individuals with MCI develop dementia annually, compared to 1-2 in unaffected individuals. Early identification of these patients at high risk is crucial for early intervention, as pathophysiological processes start earlier than clinical symptoms. Current clinical and neuropsychological assessments have limitations in predicting the conversion of MCI to dementia. This study aims to develop a prognostic signature for the short-term progression of MCI to dementia by examining whether regional cerebral glucose hypometabolism in specific brain areas is associated with cognitive decline in patients with neurodegenerative disorders. The study will use baseline scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment MoCA, Mini-Mental State Examination MMSE, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination ACE as measures of cognitive performance. Patients will undergo a baseline 18F-FDG PET brain study, interpreting the results visually and quantitatively using 3D SSP software Cortex ID. The study will also study APOE allele status, other markers, and plasma and CSF samples from patients who need CSF analysis. The final results, along with a follow-up 18F-FDG PET brain study and biomarkers, will be correlated with clinical outcomes. The goal is to develop a prognostic signature for early prediction of progression from MCI to full-blown dementia.

Equipments :

Gel documentation system, Micropipettes, ELISA plate washer ( Rs.791780.00 ) , Gel documentation system, Micropipettes, ELISA plate washer ( Rs.0.00 ) , Gel documentation system, Micropipettes, ELISA plate washer ( Rs.0.00 )

Organizations involved

Implementing Agency :	Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
Funding Agency :	Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Source:	Department of Science and Technology (DST)