The ADC at New York University School of Medicine provides the opportunity to participate in research programs to develop new methods of assessment, early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment and to monitor cognitive changes related to normal aging. We encourage our readers to call our study coordinators to learn about these studies and whether they may be eligible to participate.

Helping Caregivers

Treatment Studies for Older Adults with Memory Impairment

New Methods for Assessing Normal Elderly at Home

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Memory Disorders

Logitudinal Study of Normal Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment

Brain Donation Program

Support Groups

HELPING CAREGIVERS

Support for Couples Dealing with a Recent Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

A unique free counseling study has been designed especially for couples and is supported by a grant from the Alzheimer'™s Association. During 6 weekly meetings with a counselor, the couple will discuss problems resulting from the illness and workable responses to them. Couples will be encouraged to share thoughts and feelings, and find ways to help and support each other. For more information, please call Cynthia Epstein, ACSW at 212-263-1056 or Ursula Auclair, LCSW at 212-263-2245.

Help for Caregivers of Parents with Alzheimer's Disease

This study for adult-children of a parent with Alzheimer's disease is being conducted simultaneously in New York City and rural Minnesota. All participants have access to resource information and support from experts as needed. Those in the enhanced group will also meet with a counselor individually and with other family members. Based on an earlier research program, we expect that all participants will experience significant benefits to their well-being. For more information, please call Olanta Barton at 212-263-5710.

Memantine (Namenda) and Individualized Alzheimer's Care

Are you caring for someone who is in the middle or late stage of Alzheimer’s? Would you like to see them function and feel better? Would you like to solve the empty day syndrome? The goal of this study is to determine the added value of an individualized patient management program in AD patients receiving Memantine. Subjects with moderate to severe AD are eligible. All patients receive Memantine and follow-up evaluations at no charge. In addition, patients are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives compensation and the other receives an individualized program consisting of caregiver training and support as well as home visits to get the patient exercising, doing enjoyable activities and cognitive stimulation. The study duration is one year. For more information, please contact Dr. Sunnie Kenowsky at 212-263-7164 or sunnie.kenowsky@nyumc.org

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TREATMENT STUDIES FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH MEMORY IMPAIRMENT

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Treatment with Avandia™ XL

Men and women age 50 and older, who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease, may be eligible to participate in a current clinical study evaluating the possible effectiveness of Avandia™ extended release (rosiglitazone) vs. placebo.  Rosiglitazone is an FDA approved compound for type 2 diabetes that is being studied for possible effectiveness in patients who suffer from AD.  Eligible participants must have a caregiver who is able to accompany them to each study visit for the duration of the 54-week evaluation. Study Closed

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NEW METHODS FOR ASSESSING NORMAL ELDERLY AT HOME

Multi-Center Trial to Evaluate Home-Based Assessment Methods for Alzheimer Disease Prevention Research in People Over 75 Years Old

This current study is examining the feasibility and accuracy of at-home methods of evaluation. Participants include men and women age 75 and over, who do not have Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will be randomized into one of three groups. The first group will be evaluated using paper and pencil questionnaires returned by mail and will complete a memory test over the phone with study staff. The second group will use an automated telephone method and the third group will be evaluated using a special computer kiosk. At-home evaluations eventually may be applied to clinical trials, making clinical trials more available and convenient for patients and caregivers. It may also be a way to reduce the cost and amount of staff time required to conduct trials.  Participants initially receive a free brief medical and memory evaluation and then do the in-home evaluations periodically over a 4-year period.  Because the study involves the kiosk or telephone installation and initial training in the home, we are currently recruiting participants who live in the vicinity of the NYU Medical Center. Study Closed

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DIAGNOSIS AND EVALUATION OF MEMORY DISORDER

Longitudinal Neuroimaging Study in Alzheimer's Disease

We are currently taking part in the national Alzheimer's disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This multi-center study is being undertaken to find the most effective methods for tracking changes in the brain and in body fluids during the course of AD and to establish those methods as diagnostic standards. We are enrolling patients diagnosed with AD (within the last year), patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and people with no memory complaints (other than the normal memory problems associated with age). Participants must be aged 55-90 and in general good health. All participants receive standard neuropsychological testing, blood and urine tests and an MRI scan. Some participants receive a PET scan and analysis of their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). All subjects will be repeatedly assessed every 6 months for 2 to 3 years. For more information, please call Dr. Lidia Glodzik at 212-263-5698.