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Join a Study
Now is the time to join research. Research participation is a generous gift – a gift that can be shared with future generations as we pave the way to new discoveries in treatment and prevention. Research participation contributes to the discovery of new ways to diagnose, treat and support people with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.
Image above: Dr. Benjamin Hampstead with a research participant.
We are currently seeking research volunteers experiencing early signs of memory changes as well as healthy older adults. In many of our studies, we have a particular focus on recruiting underrepresented groups into this dementia research. (Learn more about this effort here). We understand that participating in research is not always an easy decision. Individuals and their families should carefully consider all of the possible benefits and risks before agreeing to participate. To learn more about participating in research, visit this video.
To Get Started:
If you are interested in participating in research, please complete our Initial Intake Form to get started. Once submitted, you will receive a phone call from our recruitment team to complete the enrollment process. Please contact Kate Hanson at 734-936-8332 with any questions or to complete the process over the phone. We thank you for considering participating in research!
Have concerns about what we do with your research data? Watch this video to learn how we keep your data secure.
Another option to get involved in research is to join our MiNDSet Registry. When joining the MiNDSet Registry you are able to learn of a variety of research studies that you may qualify for. Read more about the MiNDSet Registry in this video.
Currently Enrolling Studies
University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP): The University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) is the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center’s main observational, longitudinal study. The study investigates changes related to memory and thinking over time so that researchers can learn more about normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Participants in UM-MAP can be seen at both our Ann Arbor and Detroit locations. There is modest compensation for participation. All participants must have a family member or close friend as their study partner to accompany them to visits. Contact Holly Bunker at hlbunker@med.umich.edu or 734-615-5319 to get started.
Learn more about the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) in this video.
Interested in learning about what a UM-MAP visit looks like? Visit this video to learn more.
Studies Led by Center Researchers
University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP)Investigating changes in cognitive functioning over time to learn more about normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The study is looking for adults with or without cognitive changes over the age of 55. Contact Holly Bunker at hlbunker@med.umich.edu or 734-615-5319. This study team sees participants in Ann Arbor and Detroit. A study flyer is available here.
AHEAD 3-45 StudyThis trial is researching the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in people who might be at increased risk for developing memory loss associated with AD. The study is looking for participants age 55-80 years old, who have generally normal memory function in daily life, and who are not being treated for memory problems. For individuals age 55-64 years old, an additional risk factor is required, such as a parent or sibling with AD or previous biomarker testing showing increased risk for developing AD. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Lauren Mackenzie at spearsl@med.umich.edu or 734-232-2415. A study flyer is available here.
Comparison of Two Group Wellness Interventions for Individuals with Neurologic Conditions and their Support Persons: A Randomized Clinical Trial (Wellness Study)Research study comparing two different types of group wellness classes for individuals who have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (ADRD) and their support persons. The study team is looking to recruit participants 65 or older with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia and a caregiver over the age of 18. Contact Mateo Lopez at rpcnbi-wellness-study@med.umich.edu or 734-936-7758.
Differences in Functional Neuroimaging Across the ADRC Continuum (fNIRS in ADRD)This study is comparing the brain activity seen using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with brain activity seen using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and compares the brain activity seen with these two types of imaging across people with different diagnoses. This is being done to learn more about the types of imaging used to look at the changes in the brain that lead to cognitive changes. The study is looking for adults aged 50 and older, with normal cognition, AD or a related dementia. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Contact Kayla Rinna at krinna@med.umich.edu or 734-936-7739..
Diverse Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (Diverse VCID Study)This study is looking to understand how vascular changes in later life cause brain injury and cognitive decline. Participants must be part of (or willing to be part of) the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project in addition to this study. The study team is looking for African American adults 65-90 years old with either normal cognition and memory concerns or a diagnosis of MCI to participate. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor or Detroit. Contact Danielle Davis at daviscd@med.umich.edu or 734-615-8378. A study flyer is available here.
Driving and Physiological Responses (Driving Study)This study is investigating whether certain driving behaviors can differentiate individuals who are cognitively healthy and those who have cognitive difficulties. The study team is recruiting individuals ages 65 and older who are either cognitively healthy or have a diagnosis of MCI, have a valid driver’s license, drive at least once per week, and drive a car that is model year 1996 or newer. Driving data is kept confidential and is used for research purposes only. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Contact the study team at cal-npresearch@med.umich.edu or 734-232-0128. A study flyer is available here.
Encephalographic Computerized Assessment (ELECTRA)Testing the utility of electroencephalographic (EEG) and computerized testing in identifying the first signs of dementia in at-risk African Americans. ELECTRA is a collaborative project between Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. Participants must be part of (or willing to be part of) the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) in addition to this study. Eligible participants will be cognitively normal African Americans age 65 or older who are concerned about their memory and thinking. The study team sees participants in Detroit and Ann Arbor; travel to Ann Arbor may be required as part of the UM-MAP study. Contact the ELECTRA study team at ELECTRA@wayne.edu or 313-577-1692. A study flyer is available here.
Identifying Factors Predicting ACcurately End-of-Life in Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Promoting Quality End-of Life Experiences (PACE-DLB)This study aims to understand what changes might predict the end of life in people living with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). This information will help patients, caregivers, families, and health care professionals know what to expect in later stages of DLB. The study is enrolling individuals with at least moderate stage DLB and their main caregiver, and the caregiver must be able to answer questionnaires related to the DLB and caregiver experience. The study is conducted via Zoom or by phone. Contact Betsy Posby at blwar@med.umich.edu or 734-358-7370. A study flyer is available here.
Longitudinal Frontotemporal Dementia Study (ALLFTD)This study aims to evaluate frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) patients and asymptomatic family members of FTLD patients, characterizing the cohorts longitudinally and informing clinical trial design. The study is looking for adults age 18 or older with a diagnosis of FTLD or with normal cognition who have a family member with FTLD. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Kiren Chaudhry at chaudhki@umich.edu or 734-615-3593. Study flyers are available here and here.
Michigan Neural Distinctiveness (MiND) StudyThis study is a longitudinal research project investigating how the brain changes with age, how those changes relate to cognitive function, and what might cause those changes. The study is looking for healthy, cognitively intact adults, age 65 and older with normal or corrected-to-normal hearing, vision and motor control to complete 3 in-person sessions which include cognitive (thinking) tests and 2 MRI brain scans. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Esther Kim at kesther@umich.edu or 734-763-0343. A study flyer is available here.
Patient-Centered Neurorehabilitation (PCN)This study evaluates the use of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and cognitive rehabilitation to improve cognitive abilities in those living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) or posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). The study is looking for adults with PPA or PCA over the age of 50. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Stephen Schlaefflin at schlst@med.umich.edu or 734-936-7360. A study flyer is available here.
Stimulation of Cingulo-opercular Alertness Network (SCAN)This study examines the use of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) as a potential treatment for cognitive challenges in those living with Lewy body dementia (LBD). The study is looking for adults diagnosed with LBD who are over the age of 50. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact the Functional Neuroimaging, Cognitive and Mobility Lab at PDresearch@med.umich.edu or 734-998-8400. A study flyer is available here.
Stimulation to Improve Memory (STIM)This study investigates the potential benefits of varying doses of non-invasive electrical brain stimulation combined with cognitive rehabilitation. The study is looking for adults with MCI or AD over the age of 55. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Contact Stephen Schlaefflin at schlst@med.umich.edu or 734-936-7360. A study flyer is available here.
Study to Uncover Pathways to Exceptional Cognitive Resilience in Aging (SuperAging Research Initiative)“SuperAgers” are adults over age 80 who have the memory ability of individuals at least 3 decades younger. The SuperAging Research Initiative studies these cognitively healthy older adults to identify protective factors that contribute to such remarkable memory performance, including cognitive, lifestyle, genetic, and brain factors. The study is recruiting individuals age 80 and older who are cognitively healthy, fluent in English, and willing to participate in a longitudinal study (visits every 2 years as able). This study sees participants in Ann Arbor and Detroit. Contact Gabrielle Lincoln at glinc@med.umich.edu or 734-764-6157. A study flyer is available here.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (TMS in ADRD)This research study is using a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. The study aims to use TMS to learn more about measures of the ability of the brain to adapt or change. The study team is looking for adults 50 and older with normal cognition, MCI, AD, FTD, PDD, and other related dementias. The study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Stephen Schlaefflin at schlst@med.umich.edu or 734-936-7360.
Use of the Kessler Foundation Modified Story Memory Technique to Improve New Learning and Memory in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (mSMT)This research study is investigating the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). One group will undergo a memory enhancement protocol, used to improve memory functioning in individuals with MCI, while the other group will serve as a control group and complete memory exercises with the researcher. The study team is looking for individuals aged 60 or older with a clinical or research diagnosis of MCI to participate. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Mateo Lopez at mateolo@med.umich.edu or 734-936-7758.Studies Led by Center-Affiliated Researchers
Cholinergic Mechanisms of Attentional-Motor Integration and Gait Dysfunction in Parkinson Disease (UDALL)This study is investigating how the amount/loss of the brain chemical messenger acetylcholine is related to balance, gait, or cognitive problems in PD/PSP/AD patients. To determine this, the study team will use a brain imaging technique called positron emission tomography, or PET, and an MRI. Participants will undergo clinical exams and motor and thinking tests (interactive and paper/pencil tasks). The study team is looking for participants with PD, PSP, or AD over the age of 45 to participate. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Fotini Michalakis at fotinim@med.umich.edu or 734-998-4790HD-tDCS in Primary Progressive AphasiaThis study evaluates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve speech/language abilities in those living with Primary Progressive Aphasia or Primary Progressive Apraxia of speech. The study is looking for adults with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) or Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS) over the age of 50. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Stephen Schlaefflin at schlst@med.umich.edu or 734-936-7360 or Dr. Tanav Popli at tanavp@med.umich.edu.Lewy Body Dementia BiomarkersInvestigating new brain imaging approaches that investigators hope will identify protein accumulations in the brain of individual patients with PD-related dementia. This study is looking for adults age 55 and older with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), or Alzheimer’s disease. This study sees participants in Ann Arbor. Contact Ishita Ghosh at isghosh@med.umich.edu or 734-936-1035. A study flyer is available here.
Memory Training and Neural PlasticityThis study investigates the effects of cognitive training as a possible method for improving cognition. The study is recruiting adults age 60 and older without any cognitive complaints or with mild cognitive impairment for training. Sessions may involve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the participant’s brain which uses magnetic fields. This study is seeing participants virtually or in Ann Arbor. Contact Nayiri Sagherian at MemoryTrainingStudy@umich.edu or 734-647-3704. A study flyer is available here.
External Studies Supported by Our Center
Alzheimer's Prevention Trials (APT) WebstudyThe APT Webstudy is an online memory and thinking research tool aimed at accelerating enrollment into Alzheimer’s clinical trials by identifying and tracking individuals who may be at higher risk for developing Alzheimer’s. The study is looking for adults over age 50. Contact the study team at info@aptwebstudy.org or 858-877-3135, or visit https://www.aptwebstudy.org/welcome for more information about the study. This is a web-based study; a computer or mobile device with internet is necessary to participate. A study flyer is available here.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Comprehensive Cognitive and Aective Intervention for Neurocognitive Disorders (CoIntegrate Study)The CoIntegrate study aims to explore both the feasibility and effectiveness of using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy as a treatment option for individuals experiencing mild cognitive difficulties. The study will assess whether it is practical and achievable to implement these therapies in a real-world setting. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants will engage in therapy sessions conducted via Zoom, where they will receive either the CoIntegrate therapy sessions or traditional psychotherapy sessions. The study team is looking for individuals with mild cognitive impairment over the age of 50 to participate. This study sees participants virtually. Contact Zee Petrie at co-integrate@med.umich.edu or 734-764-5249.Siblings Caring for Parents with DementiaThe Siblings Caring for Parents with Dementia Study is recruiting adult children providing care to an older parent with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia to discuss their unique experiences. Participants will engage in a conversation using Zoom, complete 3 online surveys and self-collect hair and saliva samples. The study is recruiting two adult children (over age 18) in the same family who are caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia to participate. This study takes place virtually. Contact Megan Gilligan at mgilliga@iastate.edu or 515-294-5074. A study flyer is available here.
Stress & Well-being in the Everyday Lives of Caregivers (SWELCare Study)The SWELCare study focuses on the daily experiences, well-being, and cardiovascular health of individuals living with a family member or friend who is experiencing cognitive decline. The study team is looking for caregivers and persons with cognitive decline over the age of 18 to participate. No formal diagnosis of dementia is required. This study takes place virtually or by phone. Contact Akari Oya at swelcarestudy@umich.edu or 734-936-7489. A study flyer is available here.
Using Laser Acupuncture to Decrease Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of DementiaThe purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of laser acupuncture therapy on disruptive behaviors and agitation in people with dementia. Participants in the treatment group will undergo 15-minute cold laser treatments in the home, twice a week, for 6 weeks. The study team is looking for participants who are 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia and who are living at home with a family member. Family members will fill out a brief daily behavioral log during the study as well.Wellness, Hypertension, Information Sharing, Self-Management, Education Study (WHISE Study)The Wellness, Hypertension, Information Sharing, Self Management, Education (WHISE) study is an app-based study looking to understand how social factors and eating patterns are related to blood pressure management. The study team is looking for African American women living in the metro-Detroit area between the ages of 18 and 65 who have been diagnosed with hypertension by a health care provider. The study requires the use of a personal smartphone and willingness to download the WHISE app. This study takes place virtually. Contact Lenette Jones at lenettew@umich.edu. -
The University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) is the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center’s main observational, longitudinal study. Funded by the National Institute on Aging, the study investigates changes related to memory and thinking over time so that researchers can learn more about normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Participants in UM-MAP can be seen at both our Ann Arbor and Detroit locations. There is modest compensation for participation. All participants must have a family member or close friend as their study partner to accompany them to visits.
Contact Holly Bunker at hlbunker@med.umich.edu or 734-615-5319 to get started.
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Are you interested in learning about ongoing research opportunities from our center? Consider joining the Michigan Neurological Data Set, or MiNDSet Registry.
What is the MiNDSet Registry?
The MiNDSet Registry is a database created to match interested older adults – with normal cognition, with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, or those caring for someone living with mild cognitive impairment or dementia – to studies offered at the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (MADRC) that they are interested in and qualified for. The MiNDSet Registry is a database of information that helps us connect research volunteers with appropriate studies based on interest, eligibility, and additional information provided in the screening questions.
Research Recruitment Coordinator, Kate Hanson, states “The main goal of the MiNDSet Registry is to match older adults with research studies that they find interesting and relevant to their lives. The registry also helps provide our study teams with some initial information about prospective volunteers that may help in deciding if they are eligible for a certain study before we contact them.”
What do we do with information in the MiNDSet Registry?
Once the screening questions in our Initial Intake Form are completed, participants are entered into the MiNDSet Registry. All information in the MiNDSet Registry is confidential. We store this information in a secure database and share it with other researchers who are studying brain aging and dementia. Protecting the privacy of this information is of upmost importance, and we only share data with researchers who have completed a strict review process and who are leading studies which we have deemed appropriate to support.
After submitting information to the MiNDSet Registry, participants may be invited to participate in current or future research studies based on the information they provide. The corresponding study team will review and explain the risks and benefits of a study so that participants can make an informed decision about whether or not they would like to participate. Participation in a study is entirely up to the participant and their family.
What types of studies might someone in the MiNDSet Registry participate in?
At any given time, we support roughly twenty studies in addition to our longitudinal study, UM-MAP. The types of studies we support vary widely, including medication studies, observational studies, caregiver studies, and more.
If someone joins the MiNDSet Registry, can they remove themselves if they later decide that they do not want to participate?
You can remove yourself or a family member at any time by calling or emailing our research team. If you choose not to participate in research, we will update our registry and you will no longer be contacted by research teams.
Can someone join the MiNDSet Registry if they are already in the UM-MAP study?
Yes! You are automatically enrolled into the registry as an UM-MAP volunteer. You have the choice, however, to restrict your participation to this study alone. If you prefer to be contacted for other research, you can indicate your preference via the UM-MAP consent form at your yearly visit.
How can I get started?
We are always looking for interested older adults to join the MiNDSet Registry. For more information and to get started, complete a MiNDSet Registry Initial Intake Form or call Kate Hanson at 734-936-8332 to complete a form.