Clinical Research

Family Studies

Advanced Glycation Ed Products (AGEs) and Alzheimer's Disease

The focus of this study is the identification of non-genetic and genetic risk factors associated with very late onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Factors of particular interest include many of the factors that are already associated with cardiovascular disease including cholesterol, consumption of saturated fat, and physical activity levels. Other factors include the gene for apolipoprotien E and family history of dementia. People who are over 90 years of age and have no memory problems may be eligible to participate in this research study, which consists of a comprehensive interview including memory and thinking tasks, health and medical histories and an optional blood draw (approximately 3 tablespoons). We also look to follow-up every year. For more information, contact our research coordinator at (718) 367-5727. Principal Investigator: Michal Schnaider Beeri, Ph.D.; GCO#03-0568; IRB approved through 7/31/09.

Age at Onset and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Very Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease

The overall aims of this project are to examine the role of cardiovascular risk factors for cognitive decline and Alzheimer disease (AD) in elderly men. A growing body of evidence indicates that risk factors for cardiovascular disease also increase the risk of developing both vascular dementia (VaD) and AD. Most, but not all, of the evidence comes from research that has studied predominantly women, especially among the very old. In this project, we will conduct an extensive CvRF assessment in an elderly male veteran sample, recruited through the Bronx Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Male veterans, 75 years old and older with no memory problems and no history of stroke (TIAs and mini-strokes are acceptable) may qualify to participate in this research study which consists of comprehensive interview including memory and thinking tasks, health and medical histories and a blood draw (approximately 3 tablespoons). We will also look to follow-up every year. For more information, contact our research coordinator at (718) 367-5727. Principal Investigator: Jeremy Silverman, Ph.D.; GCO#79-141, Project 4; IRB approved through 3/31/09.

Successful Cognitive Aging Phenotypes in the Founder Population of Costa Rica

This study is being carried out from the Family Studies satellite office in Costa Rica. The goal of this project is to identify phenotypes which play a role in successful aging. In this project we will recruit demented and nondemented nonagenarians and their offspring. We will assess risk factor, cognitive and neuropsychological testing and blood data on the available sample. We will look to compare the two offspring and one sibling group on these cognitive and neuropsychological tests. For more information, contact our research coordinator at (718) 367-5727. Principal Investigator: Jeremy Silverman, Ph.D.; GCO#03-0078(1&2); IRB approved through 1/30/09.

Cognitive Function in Offspring of Hispanic Oldest-Old

This study is being carried out from the Family Studies satellite office in Puerto Rico, and it seeks to assess the impact of genetic factors on the cognitive functioning of Puerto Rican elders. To this end we will characterize the neuropsychological status in two groups of Puerto Rican men and women aged over 60. One group will be comprised of offspring of nondemented nonagenarians, the other comprised of offspring of nonagenarians with Alzheimer's disease (AD). For more information, contact our research coordinator at (718) 367-5727. Principal Investigator: José Carrión-Baralt, Ph.D.; GCO#04-0100; IRB approved through 8/31/08.

Note: Spanish-speaking participants are welcome in all studies. For information about these or other studies, you may also call the main Alzheimer's Disease Research Center number at (212) 241-8329.