NCT07520643

MISTIC Study: Atherosclerosis, Neurocognition & Cardiovascular Signaling

Multilevel and Interdisciplinary Assessment of Subclinical to Clinical Atherosclerosis Interactions With Neurocognitive Function and Cardiovascular System Through Endothelial and Inflammatory Cell Signalling: The MISTIC Study

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 1,000 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Subclinical Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
• Neurocognitive Decline

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Peripheral Vascular Imaging	Peripheral Vascular Imaging of Carotid and Femoral Arteries by Eco-Doppler Ultrasound
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Coro-CT	Coronary Computed Axial Tomography (Coro-TC) with contrast administration
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST	Neurocognitive Assesment	Study of neurocognitive function and decline by pre-established tests
PROCEDURE	Blood Sampling	Blood sampling for further molecular and cellular analysis

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-05-01
• Primary completion: 2030-04-30
• Completion: 2030-04-30
• First posted: 2026-04-09
• Last updated: 2026-04-09

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Italy