๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-01-21

Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration (NCT03860857)

The BEACoN Study- Biomarker Exploration in Aging, Cognition and Neurodegeneration

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Phase3 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: University of California, Irvine

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

The purpose of this research study is to understand the factors that underlie changes in thinking and memory with increasing age. The investigators will test the usefulness of MRI, PET, and cognitive testing in detecting subtle changes in the brain that precede cognitive decline. An addendum to this study includes additional PET scans to examine the relationship between tau protein in the brain and cognitive decline. Tau is a protein that is known to form tangles in the areas of the brain important for memory, and these tau tangles are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This sub-study research aims to look at the tau accumulation in the brain using an investigational drug called MK-6240, which is a radio tracer that gets injected prior to a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: University of California, Irvine โ€” Irvine, California

Age range: 60 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • University of California, Irvine โ€” Irvine, California

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (949) 824-0904

Email: beacon@uci.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—