Alzheimer’s Dementia
Understanding Alzheimer’s Dementia and Our Clinical Research Studies
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder, characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, making daily tasks challenging over time. Typically appearing in
individuals aged the late 50s- early 60s, it’s the primary cause of dementia in older adults. Our clinical research studies aim to address this critical area by investigating treatments and interventions to combat Alzheimer’s dementia. This condition is marked by significant cognitive decline, memory impairment, and changes in behavior and thinking abilities, stemming from the accumulation of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in the brain, disrupting neural communication and causing cell death.
What Are the Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease manifests in various cognitive and behavioral symptoms that progressively interfere with daily life. Common symptoms include:
Memory Loss:
Disrupts daily activities and often involves forgetting recently learned information.
Misplacing Items:
Frequently putting things in unusual places and being unable to find them.
Planning Challenges:
Struggling to remember names,
especially of people you know well.
Problem-Solving Issues:
Having trouble organizing tasks or planning ahead.
Problem-Solving Issues:
Struggling to follow plans or work with numbers, such as managing finances.
Visual and Spatial Difficulties:
Trouble understanding visual
images and spatial relationships, like judging distance or depth.
Retracing Steps:
Difficulty retracing steps to find lost items or remember recent actions.
Poor Judgment:
Making poor decisions in everyday situations, such as handling money.
Social Withdrawal:
Pulling away from work, hobbies, or social interactions.
Mood and Personality Changes:
Experiencing shifts in mood
or behavior, such as becoming confused, suspicious,
depressed, or anxious.
Our Research Focus:
Our clinical research studies are dedicated to deepening the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, developing innovative treatments, and improving patient outcomes. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques such as MRI and PET scans, we can detect amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. These imaging studies enable us to assess the extent of plaque accumulation and its impact on brain function.
Determining Eligibility
- Cognitive Testing: We administer various cognitive tests to assess memory, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive functions, focusing on confirming mild to moderate stages of dementia.
- Age Requirement: Participants must be over 50 years old.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Participants should not have other findings inconsistent with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: PET scans must show amyloid plaque accumulation consistent with Alzheimer’s disease.
Eligibility and Study Participation:
At your initial screening visit, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for our studies. Eligibility criteria vary for each study but generally include the presence of amyloid plaques, results from cognitive assessments, and overall health status. Our experienced team will guide you through each step, ensuring you or your loved one is matched with the most appropriate study.
Join Us in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s
By participating in our research studies, you contribute to the advancement of Alzheimer’s treatment and gain access to cutting-edge diagnostic tools and potential therapies. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on
the lives of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. All testing is provided at no cost to participants, and we alsooffer transportation services to ensure your convenience
