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 research study will establish a large bank of samples and data for future research into the causes of and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and other diseases that cause thinking and memory problems.
Participants in this research study will provide us with critical information about aging trajectories, so that we as researchers can learn more about what puts an individual at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, what factors protect an individual against developing symptoms, and what screening methods are needed to identify risk factors early enough so that we can enroll someone in a clinical trial before they begin to show symptoms.
One visit a year for four years (each visit takes about 4-5 hours) will include:
- 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 University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition 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.
We are currently recruiting the following groups:
Adults with a confirmed diagnosis from a doctor of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment due to AD, ages 50 and older
- 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
- You are 50 years of age or older
Adults diagnosed with an atypical form of Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., Posterior Cortical Atrophy), ages 50 and older
- You have a diagnosis of an atypical form of Alzheimer’s disease (i.e., Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Logopenic PPA) made by a physician
- You are able to get a MRI scan of the brain
- You are in good health
- You are 50 years of age or older
Healthy adults from diverse backgrounds, 60 years and older
- 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
*Depending upon study recruitment needs, active enrollment of some groups may change.
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: One study visit a year for 4 years. Each visit will take about 4-5 hours. Study visits can be broken up into two shorter days if needed.
To learn more please call 303-724-4644. You can also email NeuroResearch@cuanschutz.edu or visit our website www.cumemoryresearch.org.
PI: Brianne Bettcher, PhD
COMIRB#: 15-1774