Memory Impaired Longitudinal Study

Description

This is the primary research study at the ADRC. Data gathered from this longitudinal study has helped us learn about the clinical development and pathology of the disease. It has also helped us learn to discriminate among the various kinds of dementia, such as Parkinson’s disease, Lewy Body disease, and Pick’s disease (Frontotemporal dementia). We are currently studying pre-clinical and the very earliest stages of the disease. We are able to provide testing to Hispanic, spanish speaking individuals in English and/or Spanish.

Candidate Criteria

Must have a diagnosis of MCI or mild to moderate dementia, a reliable study partner, stable health status, and must not have any history of major strokes.

Benefit

Two major benefits are having access to a staff member who evaluate your condition and who will...

(1) inform you of the results of the evaluations and

(2) make suggestions and referrals for coping with problems that you may have

Consultation with our social workers is also available as needed

Cost

There is no financial cost to participate in our longitudinal research study. The only cost to you is in travel, time, and effort involved in an annual evaluation.

You may withdraw at any time. We would, however like a commitment of a minimum of five years in order to gather the optimal longitudinal data.

Time/Procedures

Annual visits that last one and a half days. The annual exam consists of three parts: a nursing exam, a neuropsychological assessment, and a neurology exam. In addition, participants will be asked to undergo a volumetric brain MRI scan and a spinal fluid draw (lumbar punture procedure).

We also request that you agree to a brain autopsy. This is critical to our research, since the pathological confirmation is the only definitive diagnosis for the disease. It also provides tissue for critical studies in the pathophysiology of the disease.