Maternal history of AD Predisposes Children to Brain Hypometabolism

The goal is to determine whether young subjects (age 20- 60) with maternal family history of AD show reductions in the brain’s ability to use sugar, and to see if there are greater reductions in subjects with family history spanning 2 generations (i.e., mother and grandmother affected with AD).

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

Biomarkers and Blood Flow in Early Alzheimer’s Disease

This project builds upon on our new work demonstrating the value of combining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood biomarkers with novel MRI imaging which looks at cerebral blood flow. We are testing the hypothesis that blood borne fragments of the amyloid molecule affect blood flow. We are enrolling normal subjects and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects over the age of age 50 to receive a comprehensive evaluation: neurological/physical exam, MRI and memory testing, laboratory blood-work, EKG and lumbar puncture. Participants receive results and are compensated for their time and effort.

For information, contact Vanessa Bikhazi at 212-263-7563; vanessa.bikhazi@nyumc.org.

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, call Megan Cummings at 212-263-7795; megan.cummings@nyumc.org.

Effects of Memantine on Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in persons at risk for AD

This study designed by NYU investigators is for adults 55-90 with memory complaints and a family history of AD, but without any signs of memory decline. We are testing whether Memantine, a drug approved for the treatment of moderate to severe AD, may be beneficial in these at risk individuals. The study duration is 6 months. The brain effects of memantine are measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), a scan to investigate in the chemical substances that make up the brain.

For information, call Lidia Glodzik at 212-263-5698; lidia.glodzik@nyumc.org;

Imaging Inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease with [11C] Arachidonic Acid and PET

The goal is to validate a new inflammation PET imaging agent known as [11C] Arachidonic Acid (AA) in individuals with cognitive dysfunction. Inflammation is a key component of the pathological processes (amyloid beta plaque deposition, neurofibrillary tangles, neuronal loss, astrocytosis) that are found in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). We are enrolling normal and cognitively impaired subjects over the age of 65. All will receive physical examination, blood tests, neuropsychological evaluation, EKG, MRI; [11C]PIB, [18F]FDG, and [11C]AA PET scans. Participants receive compensation for their time and effort.

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

Aß42 CSF changes in elders with sleep disorders. A new risk factor for AD?

Sleep is involved in brain restoration and modulation of memory.  The goal of our study is to analyze if the production of amyloid is disrupted by sleep/wake changes that occur during normal aging, and exacerbated in older subjects with sleep disorders, increasing the risk for developing AD. For this purpose, we plan to conduct clinical examinations, objective evaluation of sleep duration and quality using an actigraph, sleep breathing using and ARES Unicorder and CSF measurements. We are enrolling cognitively normal subjects ages 60-85 with chronic sleep disorders and subjects with normal sleep. This project will provide us with very useful information about Aß metabolism in the elderly and of certain patterns of sleep disorders as potential risks factors for developing AD. This finding, given the effect of sleep disorders in our lives, the increasing numbers of cognitively impaired elders, and the fact that millions of people regularly obtain insufficient sleep, would be of the highest relevance.

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