MISTIC Study: Atherosclerosis, Neurocognition & Cardiovascular Signaling
Starting soon
Conditions studied: Subclinical Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease, Neurocognitive Decline
In brief
The MISTIC study is a non-profit, cross-sectional clinical research project aimed at investigating the relationship between atherosclerosis and both cardiovascular and cognitive function in adult populations. Atherosclerosis is a progressive condition characterized by the accumulation of material within arterial walls, leading to vascular narrowing and impaired blood flow. While its most recognized consequences are acute events such as myocardial infarction or stroke, earlier stages of the disease, often asymptomatic, may already be associated with functional changes affecting multiple organ systems. This study focuses on evaluating the association between vascular health and cognitive performance at a single time point. Atherosclerotic burden will be assessed using non-invasive imaging techniques, including carotid intima-media thickness and coronary calcium scoring. Cognitive performance will be measured using standardized neuropsychological tests. Approximately 1000 participants will be enrolled and divided into two groups: a control group without clinically established cardiovascular disease, and a group of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). All participants will undergo clinical evaluation, vascular imaging, cognitive testing, and analysis of biological samples. The primary objective is to determine whether increasing atherosclerotic burden is associated with measurable differences in cognitive and cardiovascular function. Secondary aims include identifying patterns that may help improve early detection and risk stratification of vascular disease. The results of this study are expected to contribute to a better understanding of atherosclerosis as a systemic condition and to support the development of preventive strategies targeting early stages of vascular disease.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07520643
- Run by
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
- People needed
- 1000
- Starts
- 2026-05-01
- Expected to finish
- 2030-04-30
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-04-09
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Age >= 18 years
- Capacity to provide informed consent
- Documented coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50 % through peripheral vascular ultrasound imaging.Documented coronary artery stenosis ≥ 50 % through peripheral vascular ultrasound imaging.
You may not qualify if…
- Prior ischemic cardiac events (e.g., myocardial infarction, unstable angina).
- Major electrophysiological disorders.
- History of stroke or transient ischemic attack.
- Ongoing renal replacement therapy (dialysis).
- Use of systemic immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory medications (beyond low-dose aspirin).
- Any chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disease.
- Active infectious disease at the time of enrolment.
- Active malignancy or cancer treatment within the past 5 years.
- Coronary Artery Disease Group
- Inclusion Criteria:
- Age >= 18 years
- Capacity to provide informed consent
- Exclusion Criteria:
- Prior ischemic cardiac events (e.g., myocardial infarction, unstable angina).
- Major electrophysiological disorders.
- History of stroke or transient ischemic attack.
- Ongoing renal replacement therapy (dialysis).
- Use of systemic immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory medications (beyond low-dose aspirin).
- Any chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disease.
- Active infectious disease at the time of enrolment.
- Active malignancy or cancer treatment within the past 5 years.
Where it is running
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS — Rome, Lazio, Italy
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.