Participating in Research
Participating in Research
Welcome and thank you for your interest in participating in Alzheimer’s disease research efforts! The National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) often collaborates very closely with research studies and institutions around the world. Through these collaborations, we have compiled a listing of different studies that are currently enrolling subjects and banking samples with NCRAD. We have separated these studies into three categories: “For Those with Dementia”, “For Those with Dementia in Your Family”, and “For Healthy Individuals Who Want to Help”. Please feel free to explore each study by clicking on the study logo. Once clicked, a window will appear offering important information about each study. Information includes location of research sites and how to contact the study coordinator. If you have any additional questions about this webpage, NCRAD Coordinators would be happy to assist. Please call 1-800-526-2839 or email alzstudy@iu.edu to talk with a NCRAD coordinator.
For Those with Dementia
The below studies are specifically enrolling individuals who are currently suffering from various forms of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). More information about eligibility may be found by clicking on the study logo. Please contact the study coordinator listed on the pop-up information window with questions about enrollment and study participation
4-Repeat Tauopathy Neuroimaging Initiative-Cycle 2
The purpose of this study is to identify the best methods of analysis for tracking PSP and CBD over time. Results from this study may be used in the future to calculate power for clinical drug trials, as this study aims to identify the most reliable outcome measures.
Eligibility
If you are between 40 and 80 years of age with no known history of neurological disease, or with a diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) or Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) you may qualify for this.Locations
California, Massachusetts, Toronto, Pennsylvania, MinnesotaContact
For more information, please contact the study coordinators are 415-476-9578 or visit the 4RTNI-2 webpage.The 90+ Study
To understand the clinical, pathological, radiological, and genetic correlations of successfully aging and dementia in the oldest of old.
Eligibility
If you 90 years of age or older, live in the Southern California area, and willing to undergo clinical assessments, memory testing, and other procedures every 6 months then you may be eligible for this study. Study participants are also asked to agree to undergo one MRI and one amyloid PET scan; as well as, brain donation upon death.Locations
CaliforniaContact
For more information please visit The 90+ Study website call a study coordinator at 949-768-3635.Alzheimer’s Biomarkers Consortium – Down Syndrome
The Alzheimer's Biomarkers Consortium-Down Syndrome (ABC-DS) project is a large research initiative to find biomarkers to track Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome. Over a five-year period, researchers will collect information and blood samples from people with Down syndrome and their siblings. Participants may undergo physical exams, neurological tests, brain scans, and assessments to measure cognition, memory, and movement. Additional information will be obtained through personal and family health history, caregiver questionnaires, and genetic studies. Information gained from this initiative may help people with Alzheimer's and Down syndrome, as well as people with only Alzheimer's disease.
Eligibility
Together they will recruit over 500 adults with Down Syndrome, 25 years of age and over.Locations
CA, KY, MA, MO, NY, PA, WI, and the UKContact
For more information, please contact site personnel by visiting this link.For scientific questions, please email Melissa Parisi MD, PhD at parisima@mail.nih.gov and/or Laurie Ryan PhD at: ryanl@mail.nih.gov.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
The National Institute on Aging funds Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADCs) at major medical institutions across the United States. Researchers at these Centers are working to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease while focusing on the program’s long-term goal—finding a way to cure and possibly prevent Alzheimer's. Areas of investigation range from the basic mechanisms of Alzheimer's to managing the symptoms and helping families cope with the effects of the disease. Center staff conduct basic, clinical, and behavioral research and train scientists and healthcare providers.
Eligibility
Please contact centers for research and volunteer opportunities. For patients and families affected by Alzheimer's disease, the ADCs offer:- Help with obtaining diagnosis and medical management (costs may vary—Centers may accept Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance)
- Information about the disease, services, and resources
- Opportunities for volunteers to participate in clinical trials and studies and patient registries
- Support groups and other special programs for volunteers and their families
Locations
All across the United States.Contact
For more information, please contact any of the centers located within NIA's directory of Alzheimer's Research CentersAlzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative-Depression Project
Through a collaboration of scientists and researchers alike, ADNI-D’s efforts will expand the current state of research and help to bridge the gap between neurological research and mental health. The ADNI- D study shows great promise in developing a greater understanding of both mental illness and late life depression in relation to the cognitive decline in older adults. The information obtained from ADNI-D will also help streamline diagnostic processes and help the development of clinical treatment trial focus specifically on late life depression and cognitive impairment. Additionally, the collaboration between UC San Francisco and ADNI is striving to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs on a global scale. Through dynamic partnerships with the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI-II), psychiatric research programs, the Brain Health Registry, and industry sponsors, the ADNI-D program is confident in its ability to successfully achieve these goals and further the development of mental health research.
Eligibility
If you match the below criteria, you may qualify for this study:- In good health
- Age 65+
- Currently experiencing symptoms of depression
- Fluent in English
- Willing to undergo one MRI scan and one PET scan
- Willing to allow the collection of blood for testing
- Have a study partner – a friend or relative who can attend all clinical visits
Locations
The ADNI-D study will take place at two clinical sites across the United States. For the West Coast operation, volunteers will be recruited at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute located at the UCSF Parnassus campus as well as the Memory and Aging Center located at the UCSF Mission Bay campus. For the East Coast, volunteers will be recruited at the University of Pittsburgh.Contact
If interested in participating with your corresponding ADNI-D site, please call one of the numbers listed below.- University of California San Francisco: 415-476-7046
- University of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania: 412-586-9061
ALLFTD
The goal of the ALLFTD study is to understand the changes in brain function that occur as a result of disease progression, and how changes differ from normal aging. We track changes in clinical features (symptoms, neurologic examination) and biomarkers (neuropsychological tests, blood proteins, MRI, CSF proteins) over several years. Our prediction is that there are changes in biomarkers that precede clinical changes by years or even decades.
Eligibility
Members of families in whom at least one member has a known disease-associated mutation in one of the major genes that cause f-FTLD: MAPT, GRN, C9orf72 (or other rare genes); autosomal dominant family history of a FTLD syndrome (without a known gene) verified by medical record review or well-documented family history including family members with a medical history consistent with FTLD or a related disorder.Locations
University of Alabama Birmingham, University of CA, Los Angeles, University of CA San Diego, University of CA San Francisco, Mayo Clinic Florida, Northwestern University Illinois, John Hopkins University Maryland, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mayo Clinic Rochester Minnesota, Washington University St. Louis Missouri, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Ctr for Brain Health Nevada, Columbia University New York, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Case Western Reserve Med Ctr Ohio, University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Nantz National Alzheimer Center Houston Texas, University of Washington in Seattle, University of British Columbia in Canada, University of Toronto in CanadaContact
Visit allftd.org for more informationParkinson’s Spectrum Disorders Center
The purpose of this study is to improve diagnosis, novel therapeutic interventions, and the training of a new generation of researchers for Parkinson’s Spectrum Disorders.
Eligibility
For more information, please contact the study coordinators at 415-353-2057 or visit the study webpageLocations
USCFContact
For more information, please contact the study coordinators at 415-353-2057 or visit the study webpage https://parkinsonspectrum.ucsf.edu/make-clinic-appointmentUS Department of Defense – Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
TBI and PTSD are common combat related problems and may be associated with a greater risk of Alzheimer's Disease. Our purpose is to examine the possible connections between TBI and PTSD, and the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease on Veterans as they age. The information we collect will help us to learn more about how these injuries may affect Veterans of the Vietnam War as they grow older, as well as Veterans of the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, who also have these types of combat related injuries.
Eligibility
Nationwide, approximately 1,000 may participate in the screening interview and 500 in the Clinical Telephone Interview. The clinical interview will help us identify approximately 400 Vietnam War Veterans who will be referred for the in-person clinic visits. Approximately 300 Vietnam War Veterans will be eligible to complete the entire study.Locations
NationwideContact
If you are a Vietnam-era combat veteran suffering from TBI or PTSD please call 1-800-773-4883 for more information.Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a historic study of brain aging, providing researchers throughout the world access to ADNI data with the belief that open source research is the best way to approach Alzheimer's. Since 2004, the longitudinal ADNI study has been validating the use of biomarkers including blood tests, tests of cerebrospinal fluid, and MRI/PET imaging for Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials and diagnosis. Now in its fourth phase, ADNI-3, is studying the rate of change of cognition, function, brain structure, and biomarkers.
Eligibility
ADNI is seeking people over the age of 55, who are healthy, as well as those with mild memory problems and those who have been diagnosed with mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.Locations
There will be 60 clinical sites throughout the USA and Canada, please visit www.ADNI3.org to find a site near you.Contact
To participate in ADNI3 you may reach our clinical sites once they are open for enrollment by calling 1-888-2-ADNI-95 (1-888-223-6495). You can also visit their website at http://www.adni3.org.Longitudinal Investigation for Enhancing Down Syndrome Research
LIFE-DSR is longitudinal multi-site observational study aiming to better understand the cognitive and behavioral changes along with the health issues found in adults with Down syndrome as they progress towards AD. First study run in the Down Syndrome Clinical Trials Network.
Eligibility
Enrolling adults with Down Syndrome, 25 years and older.Locations
AZ, CA, GA, KS, KY, IL, MA, MD, NC, OHContact
For more information, please reach out to 781-825-1300 or visit the webpage at: info@ds-ctn.orgInternet-Based Conversational Engagement Clinical Trial
Research shows that remaining socially active later in life can have a positive impact on memory and mental function. I-CONECT is exploring how social conversation can help improve memory and may prevent dementia or Alzheimer’s disease in older adults. In this study, participants connect with the research team using senior-friendly technology for fun and engaging conversations in the comfort of their own home.
Eligibility
Currently enrolling volunteers aged 75 and older.Locations
GA, OH, MIContact
For more information, call 1-888-ICONECTAsian Cohort for Alzheimer’s Disease
The Asian Cohort for Alzheimer’s Disease (ACAD) is an international collaboration with the goal of compiling a robust sample size of Asian American and Canadian subjects for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. Making up 6% and 10% of the US and Canadian populations respectively, Asians are the fastest growing populations in both countries yet they are underrepresented in AD research. ACAD aims to address this gap by starting with a cohort of individuals of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese ancestry, and later extending to other major Asian populations in both countries.
Eligibility
Participants will be 60 years or older and of Asian AncestryLocations
CA, MA, NY and CanadaContact
For more information on how to participate in ACAD, please visit: https://acadstudy.org/procedure/ Please send an email to help@acadstudy.org if you would like to participate or have any questions about this study.Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study
The Longitudinal Early-onset AD Study (LEADS) is funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to address several major gaps in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research. LEADS is an observational study. Clinical, cognitive, imaging, biomarker, and genetic characteristics will be assessed. The primary goal of LEADS is to develop sensitive clinical and biomarker measures for future clinical and research use.
Eligibility
Will enroll and follow 500 cognitively impaired participants and 100 cognitively normal participants ages 40-64 years at approximately 15 sites in the United States.Locations
AZ, CA, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MO, MN, NY, PA, RI, TXContact
For more information, please call 307-963-7428 or email bqureshi@iupui.eduFor Those with Dementia in Your Family
The below studies are specifically enrolling families heavily burdened by dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These studies are searching for biologically related family units willing to help broaden research on AD. More information about eligibility may be found by clicking on the study logo. Please contact the study coordinator listed on the pop-up information window with questions about enrollment and study participation
Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network
The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN) is an international research partnership of leading scientists determined to understand a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease that is caused by an autosomal dominant gene mutation. Understanding this form of Alzheimer’s disease may provide clues to decoding other dementias and developing dementia treatments.
Eligibility
Currently enrolling study participants who are biological adult children of a parent with a mutated gene known to cause dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP mutations). Such individuals may or may or may not carry the gene themselves and may or may not have disease symptoms. This international multi-center longitudinal study is aiming to recruit 600 individuals: 300 expected to be gene carriers who will develop AD and 300 non-demented controls (siblings).Locations
WA, NY, IN, CA, MA, RI, PA, FL; United Kingdom; Germany; AustraliaContact
For more information about DIAN, please visit the DIAN website or call the DIAN Global Coordinator at 314-286-2683.The Genetics of Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
The purpose of this research is to identify, evaluate, study, and follow families who have multiple members with late onset Alzheimer’s disease so that researchers can ultimately identify genetic factors that contribute to this disease.
Eligibility
If your family has two or more living siblings diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease after the age of 60 years and a third family member who has been diagnosed with memory loss or Alzheimer's disease after the age of 50 OR without symptoms of memory loss and is over the age of 60 years, researchers may be very interested in studying your family.Locations
We are eager to involve new families from every location.Contact
For further information please view our LOAD Study Brochure, or contact the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias at 1-800-526-2839 or by e-mail at alzstudy@iu.edu.National Centralized Repository Family Study
Through the efforts of families with memory loss, our goal is to unravel the mystery of dementia related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Eligibility
If your family has two or more living members with Alzheimer's disease or symptoms of serious memory loss, researchers may be very interested in studying your family.Locations
We are eager to involve new families from every location.Contact
For further information please view our NCRAD Study Brochure, or contact the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias at 1-800-526-2839 or by e-mail at alzstudy@iu.edu.For Healthly Individuals Who Want to Help
Various sites across the United States are in need of healthy volunteers to act as controls for dementia related studies. Volunteers for this research may be spouses or caregivers of those suffering from dementia. More information about eligibility may be found by clicking on the study logo. Please contact the study coordinator listed on the pop-up information window with questions about enrollment and study participation.
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
The National Institute on Aging funds Alzheimer’s Disease Centers (ADCs) at major medical institutions across the United States. Researchers at these Centers are working to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease while focusing on the program’s long-term goal—finding a way to cure and possibly prevent Alzheimer's. Areas of investigation range from the basic mechanisms of Alzheimer's to managing the symptoms and helping families cope with the effects of the disease. Center staff conduct basic, clinical, and behavioral research and train scientists and healthcare providers.
