Our clinical research

Using a clinical study involving patients in the UK and US, we are investigating whether the inflammation and changes in the type and behaviour of immune cells seen in many stroke survivors is linked to post-stroke cognitive decline.

This research takes place alongside our pre-clinical research.

What is this study about?

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. In the first five years after a stroke, up to a third of stroke survivors experience cognitive decline. This is one of the most distressing complications and has a significant impact on survivors’ ability to work and lead normal lives.

There are currently no treatments for post-stroke cognitive decline. However, previous research by members of the Stroke-IMPaCT Network suggests that it may be possible to understand what causes post-stroke cognitive decline and develop ways to treat it.

This study is investigating whether the inflammation and changes in the type and behaviour of immune cells seen in many stroke survivors is linked to post-stroke cognitive decline.

What will happen in the study?

Approximately 200 patients (participants) who have suffered an acute ischemic stroke will be recruited to the study. Patients will be recruited while they are an inpatient at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust (UK) or Stanford Health Care (US).

Participants will have blood drawn approximately 2 days, 6 months, 18 months, 30 months and 42 months (pending additional funding) after they have had their stroke. A nurse will also take the participant through a few questionnaires to test their cognitive function (memory) at each of these times. Participants may also have a brain scan (MRI) within 30 days of their stroke.

The researchers will study patients’ blood for signs of inflammation, look at the type of immune cells that are present, and test how well these immune cells are working. They will examine whether there are any links between what is found in the patients’ blood and how well the patients perform on the cognitive tests.

More information

If you’re participating in our study, or would like to, please visit the Information for participants page, which includes links to patient information sheets.

Approval and funding information

NHS ethical approval was gained from the Health Research Authority (Wales REC3 Research Ethics Committee) on 28th June, 2021 (IRAS Project Number: 275726).

Funding statement

This research is funded by Fondation Leducq as one of their Transatlantic Networks of Excellence. Fondation Leducq is an international charitable organisation funding collaborative research in cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the Fondation Leducq or the NHS.