Alzheimer's Disease Center

 

UK ADC Affiliated Studies

STUDY OPPORTUNITIES:

	Overview

	UK ADC Affiliated Studies

	UK ADCS Trials

	UK Aging Studies

	Lexington Clinic Studies

	Neuroimaging Studies of Depression in Parkinson's Disease

	Research Participation Opportunities (pdf)

	UK ADC Affiliated Studies Flyer (pdf)

Research Opportunities For UK ADC Subjects

Want to do more? We have many opportunities for our research volunteers to participate in affiliated studies that are moving the field ahead. Take a look below and see if you find an opportunity that is right for you.

Detection of pre-symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease by fMRI

Functional MRI allows researchers to see how different brain areas communicate with one another while performing a memory or thinking activity. Verbal memory decline is a major complaint in persons who may be at risk for more general memory decline. This research is designed to develop new methods of detecting early, preclinical AD, allowing earlier intervention and an increased chance to prolong or abort the future development of dementia. Potential subjects with previous stroke, metallic implants, or claustrophobia may not be acceptable enrollees in this study. For more information call Sarah Carr at (859) 257-1412 x 289.

Neuroimaging (fMRI) of short-term visual memory in older and mild cognitive impairment adults

Normal memory function requires both attentional and memory related processing in the brain. In this study, researchers are able to see brain areas involved in both attention and memory, and investigate how they work together in normal aging and in early memory decline. Potential subjects with previous stroke, metallic implants, or claustrophobia may not be acceptable enrollees in this study. For more information call the Aging Brain and Cognition Lab at (859) 323-7263.

Neuroimaging studies of depression in Parkinson’s disease

Depression is often a part of the brain changes seen in Parkinson’s disease. This study uses functional MRI to study these changes.in persons with Parkinson’s disease and in normal aged volunteers. For more information call the Communications and Emotions Lab at (859) 257-9223 x2.

Alzheimer’s disease detection via nonlinear analysis of EEG

This study is being conducted in partnership with researchers from the Oakridge National Laboratory in TN. EEG is a routine medical tool that carries no adverse effects and may serve as one of the best diagnostic tools for detecting early memory and thinking changes. Subjects with normal memory and thinking, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are being recruited for this study. For more information or to enroll call Sarah Carr at (859) 257-1412 x 289.

Computerized assessment of early visual-spatial dysfunction in subjects with normal memory and thinking and early preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies

Computerized tests of visual function may allow early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Three “fun” tests are like video games, but even easier to use, with only two buttons to control your responses. This testing takes about 20 minutes in a one time visit. For more information or to enroll call Sarah Carr at (859) 257-1412 x 289.

Biomarkers to detect early Alzheimer’s disease

We are working to develop a laboratory test that will detect Alzheimer’s disease even before the earliest signs are seen. Such a test is easily within our grasp, but relies on the collection of spinal fluid stocks that have traditionally been difficult to obtain because of misconceptions regarding the safety and tolerability of the spinal fluid collection procedure. Improvements in technique and instrumentation have made this a safe, quick (typically less than 15 minutes), and tolerable (equivalent to the discomfort of a standard blood draw in most cases) procedure. Participation is only open to subjects who have had normal brain imaging within the last year. We are currently looking for willing participants who are normal, have mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or any related disorder. For more information or to enroll call Sarah Carr at (859) 257-1412 x 289.

Personality variables that may be associated with successful aging

We are recruiting Sanders-Brown Research Volunteer Normal Control Group program participants who underwent MRI scanning in 1999 for a brief telephone based survey examining the relation between brain imaging and personality. For more information or to enroll, call Sarah Carr at (859) 257-1412 x 289.

For information on other ongoing or planned clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease, please contact Sarah Carr at (859) 257-1412 ext 289.