The purpose of this study is to learn about how trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mild traumatic brain injury that can occur during deployment affect the brain. The investigators also want to learn how PTSD and mild traumatic brain injury can affect the chance of developing Alzheimer disease later in life. The investigators will study this by using magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans to obtain pictures of the brain.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
You will be asked to undergo a scan of your brain called an MRI. The MRI scan can measure the functioning of your brain.
You will be asked to undergo a scan of brain called a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The PET scan is a test that uses radioactive glucose (sugar) and a computer to create images of how your brain is functioning. Abnormal cells in the body use glucose at a different rate than normal cells and this allows the scanner to create a detailed picture of how your body is working.
At the Duke University PET Center you will be in a quiet dimly lit space with only ambient room sound, with your eyes open and ears unplugged. Your safety will be monitored by a physician and nurse. 18F-florbetapir will be administered to you as a bolus injection through a peripheral vein followed by a flush and 10 minute continuous brain PET imaging will begin 50 minutes post-injection.
Durham VA
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Cortical thickness as measured by MRI scans
Time frame: Baseline
Beta amyloid plaques as measured by PET scans
Time frame: Baseline
Tau proteins as measured by PET scans
Time frame: Baseline
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At the Duke University PET Center you will be in a quiet dimly lit space with only ambient room sound, with your eyes open and ears unplugged. Your safety will be monitored by a physician and nurse. 18F-florbetapir will be administered to you as a bolus injection through a peripheral vein followed by a flush and 10 minute continuous brain PET imaging will begin 50 minutes post-injection.