Clinical Correlates of Longitudinal PET Changes in Alzheimer's disease

The goal is to assess combining FDG-PET imaging (brain metabolism) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and PET amyloid imaging (using a tracer that binds to brain amyloid) in predicting cognitive decline. We are enrolling mild AD, MCI and normal subjects over age 20, who receive a comprehensive evaluation: neurological/physical exam, MRI and PET, memory testing, laboratory blood-work, EKG and lumbar puncture. Participants receive results and are compensated for their time and effort.

For information, contact Alexander Goldowsky at 212-263-7563; alexander.goldowsky@nyumc.org

Maternal history of AD Predisposes Children to Brain Hypometabolism

The goal is to determine whether young subjects (age 25- 60) with and without a family history of AD show reductions in the brain’s metabolism of sugar and to measure a protein associated with AD called amyloid, using PET imaging. In addition to PET imaging, all subjects will receive a comprehensive evaluation including a neurological and physical exam, MRI, memory testing, EKG, and laboratory blood-work.

For information, contact John Murray at 212-263-7795; john.murray@nyumc.org

MRI Progression Markers of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly

This project investigates the relationship between plasma amyloid beta protein levels and brain vascular response to CO2 (measured with MRI). Additional tests include brain structure measurement and CSF tau levels. Participants should have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and will receive a comprehensive evaluation consisting of a neurological/physical examination, neuroimaging (MRI and ASL), memory testing, laboratory blood-work, ECG and lumbar puncture. Participants receive results and are compensated for their time and effort.

For information, contact Nicole Spector at 212-263-7563; Nicole.spector@nyumc.org

Biomarkers in Early Alzheimer’s Disease

This project builds upon on our new work, demonstrating the value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers. We combined these analyses with novel MRI technology which looks at cerebral blood flow, a possible mechanism-based marker for early Alzheimer's disease. We are enrolling normal subjects over the age of age 50, with and without mild memory complaints, to receive a comprehensive evaluation: neurological/physical exam, MRI and memory testing, laboratory blood-work, EKG and lumbar puncture. Participants are compensated for their time and effort.

For information, contact Nicole Spector at 212-263-7563; Nicole.spector@nyumc.org

Are sleep disturbances a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease?

Sleep is a complex behavioral state involved in brain restoration, body rhythms, and memory consolidation. The term sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is commonly used to describe the full range of breathing problems during sleep in which not enough air reaches the lungs (hypopnea and apnea). Advancing age is accompanied by physiological changes in respiratory functions during sleep, resulting in a prevalence of SDB of 30-80% in individuals aged =60 years, compared to less than 10% in people aged 40. In the elderly, SDB is for the most part asymptomatic and less dependent to obesity, snoring, and sleepiness than SDB at a younger age. No study has addressed appropriately the neurological impact of SDB in the elderly. Our plan is to use home-based monitoring of SDB to identify a sample of normal elderly subjects with SDB. All subjects will receive plasma measures of inflammation, clinical, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging (PIB and MRI) studies. Some participants will be invited to perform an in-lab sleep study (at the hospital). This novel study will provide additional evidence for the link between sleep respiratory changes in the elderly and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Given the high prevalence of both SDB and AD, identifying a potential mechanistic association would be of the highest relevance in establishing new pathways for AD treatment.

For information, contact Ricardo Osorio at 212-263-3258; ricardo.osorio@nyumc.org

Blood pressure, cerebral perfusion and cognitive performance in hypertension

Hypertension (a chronically high blood pressure) may lead to impaired blood delivery to the brain, and consequently can cause brain shrinkage and cognitive decline. NYU Center for Brain Health invites adults age 65-80, with or without hypertension (treated with only one anti-hypertensive medication), to participate in a research study. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of one’s current blood pressure on their brain, memory and thinking in the future. Your visit includes clinical medical exams, neuropsychological exams, blood work, ECG, carotid ultrasound, brain MRI, and 24 –hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

For information, contact Catherine Randall at 212-263-7563; Catherine.Randall@nyumc.org