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BRF’s Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy collaborating with LSU Health Shreveport on national Alzheimer’s disease study

BRF’s Center for Molecular Imaging and Therapy (CMIT) and LSU Health Shreveport have collaborated to bring a nationwide research study to the region. The New IDEAS: Imaging Dementia-Evidence for Amyloid Scanning Study is being conducted across the nation by Alzheimer’s Association and the American College of Radiology with LSU Health Shreveport being a local site.

The study for people who suffer from mild cognitive impairment and dementia examines how positron emission tomography (PET) amyloid scanning of the brain can help medical professionals diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“This collaboration and studies such as this allow Louisiana patients to access advanced diagnostic and therapeutic imaging right here in our state,” said Dr. Pradeep Garg, CMIT Executive Director. “Access to advanced molecular imaging technology is vital to the health of a region.”

CMIT will provide participants’ PET scanning at its PET Imaging Center.

“As an identified center for the study, our local patients don’t have to travel across the country to be a participant,” said Dr. Roger Kelley, Chairman and Professor of Neurology at LSU Health Shreveport.

The study is being conducted by physician researchers at LSU Health Shreveport and focuses on underrepresented minority populations and people living in underserved areas. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a total of 7,000 Medicare beneficiaries meeting the study’s eligibility criteria will be consented and enrolled over 30 months at sites throughout the United States. To ensure diversity, the study will enroll at least 2,000 Blacks/African Americans, at least 2,000 Latinos/Hispanics, and up to 3,000 additional participants from other racial and ethnic backgrounds. CMIT participated in the original IDEAS study.

Those interested in participating or getting more information on the study should contact the LSU Health Shreveport Department of Neurology at 318-675-8200.

BRF’s CMIT is expanding its radiopharmaceutical discovery and production capabilities with the opening of its new, 20,000 sq. ft. facility at the corner of Kings Highway and Mansfield Road in Shreveport. The Center is scheduled to open in May. To learn more about CMIT, visit www.thenewcmit.org.