Current Research

The goal of this project is to examine whether the amount of proteins found in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), blood, and measures of brain structures (using MRI scans) are affected by taking the drug Memantine. Memantine has recently been shown at NYU to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). This study will accomplish the following two main goals: 1. Examine the effects of the recently FDA approved drug, Memantine on known biological markers of AD and 2. Evaluate the relationships among biological markers under treatment and non-treatment conditions. This project has the potential to demonstrate that Memantine can directly affect the pathophysiology of AD. No other drug has ever demonstrated this type of effect.

How You can Help

The information gained from this study may help the investigators to test an early screening panel for AD.

Benefits of Participating

• All procedures are done at no cost to participants
• Complete medical and neurological exams and laboratory tests
• Comprehensive memory testing
• LP procedure
• MRI scan of the brain
• Upon completion of the study, participants will be compensated $250
• It is not known if the treatment you will receive will benefit you. It is hoped that the knowledge gained will be beneficial to others in the future.

Eligibility

• Men and women between the ages of 60-80
• Completion of high school

Time & Requirements

The total time required is 3-4 visits which will take place 3 times over a 6 month period. For more information about Memantine, please click on the following site: Namenda.com.

How can you participate?

You can access the application with the link below. Once you have filled out the application, it can be emailed to Monica Tierney, or mailed to:

ATTN: Monica Tierney
New York University School of Medicine
Department of Psychiatry
Center for Brain Health
550 First Avenue, MHL-400
New York, NY 10016

Click here for the Application.