University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center (CUACC) Longitudinal Biomarker and Clinical Phenotyping Study (Bio-AD)

 

Research Study to Help Us Better Understand Alzheimer's Disease, Down Syndrome, and Other Types of Thinking/Memory Problems

 

This study will establish a large bank of samples and data for future research into the causes of and treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD), Down Syndrome (DS), and other diseases that cause thinking and memory problems.

 

Main Procedures Involved:

Once a year (that takes about 4-5 hours):

  • Physical/neurological exam
  • Set of tests that assess memory, attention, behavior, and other thinking skills
  • Questionnaires about health history
  • Collection of blood sample
  • Questionnaires to be completed by a study partner (a family member or close friend)
  • Review of medical records and collection of information about general health and thinking/memory issues
  • MRI of the brain (optional for DS participants)
  • Be considered for other studies at the Rocky Mountain Alzheimer's Disease Center

Lumbar puncture is optional for all participants.

 

If a 4-5 hour visit feels too overwhelming, the study team offers to cover the same procedures in two shorter visits.

 

 

Main Exclusion/Exclusion Criteria:

For our AD or Mild Cognitive Impairment group:

  • You have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or Mild Cognitive Impairment made by a physician
  • You are able to get a MRI scan of the brain
  • You are in good health

For our Down Syndrome group:

  • You are in good health
  • You may or may not have current memory concerns
  • You are 30 years of age or older

For our healthy aging group:

  • You do not have current memory or thinking concerns
  • You are able to get a MRI scan of the brain
  • You are in good health
  • You are 60 years of age or older
BioAD picture

Even if you meet the basic criteria above, eligibility is still at the discretion of the investigator and copies of your recent medical records may be required to determine eligibility.

 

Duration of Participation: As long as possible

 

If you would like more information, please contact:

Neurology Research Partners

Department of Neurology

303-724-4644

NeuroResearch@cuanschutz.edu

 

Alternatively, you may go to this page and fill out the participant contact questionnaire. A member of the study team will then contact you. 

 

PI: Brianne Bettcher, PhD

COMIRB#: 15-1774