Participants sought for brain imaging study
Memory problems associated with aging are a concern for many over the age of 60. Advances in neuroimaging can help improve understanding of these problems and help guide treatment.
Under the direction of Andrew Saykin, the IU Center for Neuroimaging on the IUPUI campus is using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures and neuropsychological testing to explore memory changes associated with aging. The title of the study is "Structural, Functional and Molecular Brain Imaging in Aging and Early Dementia."
Eligible participants will be asked to complete the following eight-hour assessment three times over the course of three years:
• A brain scan, an eye exam, a neuropsychological assessment examining cognitive functioning, questionnaires that ask about physical and cognitive symptoms, as well as quality of life, and a blood draw to test for metabolic and genetic factors that may affect cognitive functioning.
• Prospective participants may be eligible for this study if they have recently been experiencing problems with memory loss, are right-handed, are fluent in English, have at least 10 years of education, GED or equivalent, are otherwise physically and emotionally healthy and able to commit to three study visits over the course of three years. A brief telephone interview will be required to determine eligibility for the study.
Participation in the study is voluntary and will not affect medical treatment. Eligible participants will be compensated $75 for their time after each of the three study visits. There are no direct medical benefits of study participation; however, participants and/or their physicians will be notified if any study measures (blood work, cognitive tests, or MRI scans) reveal findings which merit clinical follow-up.
For information, contact Tamiko MaGee at 317-278-3121.
