Current Research

The purpose of this research is to identify the earliest indicators of memory and brain change in aging, which predict the change from normal functioning to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This longitudinal study will examine how areas of the brain that are related to memory functioning use sugar. More specifically, this project will explore the ability of the metabolism of the memory centers to predict progressive decline in neuropsychological performance.

How You Can Help

The information gained from the study may help the investigators to understand how brain metabolism changes in aging, with mild cognitive impairment, and in Alzheimer's disease. Findings that develop from this project could improve the early diagnosis of AD and also provide useful information for therapeutic intervention.

Benefits of Participating

• All procedures are done at no cost to participants
• Complete medical & neurological exams and laboratory tests
• Comprehensive memory testing
• All participants recieve a report of their cognitive performance and neurological exam
• All participants receive a report summarizing the results of their evaluation
• PET scan and MRI scan of the brain
• Upon completion of the study, participants will be compensated $100 for their time.
  

Eligibility

• Men and Women between the ages of 20-90 years old
• Completion of high school
• No history of strokes or insulin dependent diabetes
• We will accept people with memory complaints/problems
• Certain medications are contraindcated with PET scans. (Please make sure to discuss your medications with the research coordinator.)
  

Time & Requirements

The total time required is 3-4 visits, 2-3 visits will be at New York Medical Center and 1 visit will be at Brookhaven National Laboratory.

For additional information regarding this study, click here or contact Schantel Williams at (212) 263-7563.

How can you participate?

In order to participate, you need to apply. You can access the application with the link below. Once you have filled out the application, it can be emailed to Schantel Willaims, or mailed to:

ATTN: Schantel Williams
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.