Research and Clinical Trials at the CNADC
Volunteer for a Study
You must live in the Chicagoland area, or be willing to travel
to Chicago, to participate in the majority of our studies.
Contact the Memory Research team at 312-926-1851 or email memoryresearch@northwestern.edu if you are interested in finding
out more information about a study or to volunteer for any of the
studies listed below.
CURRENT ONGOING STUDIES:
1. The Gammaglobulin Alzheimer's Partnership (GAP) Study
STATUS: ENROLLING
This clinical research study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness,
safety, and tolerability of an investigational drug for Alzheimerąs, and to
determine if this investigational drug may help slow the progression of this
disease. All participants receive study-related care and monitoring and
study-related drugs, at no cost. Participants must be between 50-89. To find
out who may be eligible, please contact Kristine Lipowski 312-503-2486.
2. Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment Study
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: ENROLLING
Researchers at Northwestern University are now recruiting
persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) aged 60-85 to participate in
research studies of memory impairment and other symptoms related to changes
in the brain with aging. To find out more about the study, contact us at
312.926.1851.
3. Research Study on the Effects of Stress on Dementia
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: ENROLLING
Participants with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, Primary Progressive Aphasia, and Frontotemporal Dementia are Needed. Your participation will include: Completion of two questionnaires about stress and coping ability and collection of saliva samples for analysis of stress chemicals. The study can be completed in a single visit or your own home. There is compensation for your time.
Contact 312-695-8173 for more information.
4. Northwestern University SuperAging™ Study
Download PDF flyer of this study
Sponsored by The Northwestern's Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center
STATUS: ENROLLING
We are currently conducting a longitudinal research study to determine what factors help keep older individuals highly functional and free of cognitive decline as they progress through the aging process. The study consists of three visits over the course of 3 years. Participants must be over 80. If you are interested, please contact Dr. Emily Rogalski, at 312-503-1660.
5. Language in Primary Progressive Aphasia
http://www.brain.northwestern.edu/ppa/ppa_research.html
Download PDF flyer of this study
Sponsored by The Northwestern's Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease Center and The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
STATUS: ENROLLING
The The PPA study will allow the CNADC a more in-depth look at specific language,
neuropsychological, and neurological issues that arise as PPA disorder
progresses. This three day-long research study investigates a variety of
topics, primarily relating to language. The information obtained from all
participants could lead to exciting developments in the knowledge and
treatment of PPA. We are currently seeking persons with PPA to enroll as
participants in the study. All participants will be compensated for their
participation. If you are interested in becoming a participant or would like
more information about this study, please contact: Christina Wieneke,
c-wieneke@northwestern.edu or Phone: 312-908-9681
6. The Utility of Namenda® in the Treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia
Download PDF flyer of this study
Sponsored by Forest Pharmaceuticals
STATUS: ENROLLING
Researchers are evaluating the use of memantine (Namenda®) in those with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Memantine is currently an FDA approved treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Evidence from studies of persons with Alzheimer’s disease suggests memantine may reduce damage to brain cells and therefore may also be effective in people with FTD. This study is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of memantine in FTD and to evaluate whether memantine will slow the rate of decline in thinking and in problem behaviors in FTD.
7. Mindfulness Practice for Stress and Coping
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: ENROLLING
Offered through Northwestern University and the Family Institute at Northwestern University
The Mindfulness Practice for Stress and Coping (MPSC) Program is a group for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease and related disorders. Participants and family members will learn a different set of mindfulness practices which will include seated mediation, movement meditation, and yoga. A research component of the program will involve a series of assessments at the beginning and end of the program to identify what benefits group members may have experienced. For any questions please contact Jessica Creery, 847-491-7725 or by email j-creery@northwestern.edu
8. The IDENTITY Trial – Interrupting Alzheimer’s Dementia by Evaluating Treatment of Amyloid Pathology
Download PDF flyer of this study
Sponsored by Eli Lilly
STATUS: CLOSED
IDENTITY is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that will be conducted in the U.S. and 21 additional countries. As part of IDENTITY, 1,500 patients will be studied for 21 months, and an open-label extension will be available to all participants completing the study. Patients who are taking currently available symptomatic treatments for Alzheimer's disease can continue treatment during their participation in IDENTITY. Because the IDENTITY study also incorporates a "randomized delayed start" design, even those subjects initially assigned to the placebo arm of the study will be started on active treatment sometime before the end of the 21-month study period. Both the subjects and investigators will be blinded to the exact timing of this delayed start of study drug administration.
9. Cognitive and Emotional Control in Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: CLOSED
Researchers at Northwestern University are currently evaluating the use of a new behavioral test to differentiate between early/mild frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, potentially leading to earlier, accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment plans. Participation consists of a one-time visit where participants will complete two simple behavioral tasks. This study is for people between the ages of 45 and 85 with an early/mild diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, people in the inclusion age range in good general health with normal cognitive functioning are encouraged to participate and serve as a control group.
10. Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: CLOSED
ADNI is a nationwide study to determine whether imaging of the brain (through MRI, PET or CAT scans) every six months can help predict and monitor the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to neuroimaging, the study will collect and test blood and, for some participants, cerebral spinal fluid to determine if biomarkers can predict and monitor the disease. This study is for individuals, age 55 or over, who are in good general health with no memory problems OR are in good general health but have memory problems or concerns OR have a diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease and are willing and able to undergo the test procedures.
11. Exelon Patch for treatment in Alzheimer’s disease
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: CLOSED
In 2007 the FDA approved the Exelon10cm2 Patch for treatment in Alzheimer’s disease. The Exelon Patch was found to be effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with mild to moderate symptoms. Now researchers are comparing the risk and benefit of the Exelon 10cm2 Patch to the experimental ExeloN 15cm2 Patch in people who have Alzheimer’s disease and show a decline in memory or thinking. Please contact us if you are between 50 and 85 and have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.
12. Home-Based Assessments (HBA)
Download PDF flyer of this study
Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group
STATUS: CLOSED
HBA is making an innovative attempt at improving the way we assess and diagnosis individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease with methods that can be done from home. Individuals with either mild cognitive impairments or no cognitive impairments are being invited to participate in this four-year long study. Participation requires an initial visit to our clinic for a brief physical and neurological assessment, cognitive testing, and a blood draw. Those enrolled in the study will be assigned to one of three assessment methods: computer kiosk, mail-in questionnaire, or an automated telephone voice system. They will also be given a daily multivitamin in order to track adherence to a study treatment. This study will result in more effective means of detecting dementia in hard to reach populations.
13. Reducing Amyloid in Alzheimer’s Disease
Download PDF flyer of this study
Download brochure for this study
Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
STATUS: CLOSED
Nearly 400 volunteers at 40 U.S. research sites will be enrolled in this study to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of a novel pathway in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Receptor for Advanced Glycation Enpoints (RAGE) protein binds to the amyloid plaque deposits in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. RAGE has been linked to the promotion of inflammation and nerve cell damage. The study drug inhibits the RAGE protein. In this study, the experimental RAGE inhibitor will be compared to placebo. Each participant will be evaluated in the clinic 12 times over the course of 18 months.
Other Clinical Trial Resources
ADEAR Clinical Trials Database - The Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center (ADEAR) clinical trials database provides detailed information - background, eligibility criteria, site listings, and references - on Alzheimer's disease research studies sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, other NIH institutes, private organizations, and industry.
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