The KU Alzheimer and Memory Program at the University of Kansas Medical Center offers the following research programs and collaborations for volunteers.
Ongoing Studies - Enrollment Closed
For More Information about our current studies, Please Call (913) 588-0555 or e-mail kuamp@kumc.edu
If interested in participating in any of our research projects, Please Click Here
Parkinson's Disease and Dementia Imaging Study
This study will enroll 24 study participants all of whom have Parkinson’s disease and 12 of whom also have associated memory problems. Study participants will be between the ages of 55-85 and may not have diabetes. The study visits will include a 2-hour glucose tolerance laboratory testing at the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at KU Medical Center, an MRI scan of the brain and paper and pencil memory testing.
If you or someone you know are interested in participating in this study, please call 913-588-0555 or email rhonea@kumc.edu.
Memory in Early Alzheimer's with Intranasal Insulin (MAIN)
This study will examine the effect of insulin on brain function using functional MRI scanning. This unique program will enroll 20 subjects with early Alzheimer's disease and 10 subjects without Alzheimer's disease. Participants, aged 60 and older, will have two functional MRI scans.
This study is examining if repetitive, cognitive retraining is beneficial in people with early Alzheimer's disease. Participants, aged 60 and older, will attend daily sessions for two weeks, Monday through Friday, at the Landon Center. Lunch and breaks will be provided.
The KU Alzheimer and Memory Program has been selected to participate in a Phase 3 clinical trial sponsored by Elan Pharmaceuticals. The study is investigating a new drug called Bapineuzimab, a novel therapy aimed at slowing Alzheimer's disease progression. The medication under investigation consists of an infusion of antibodies that target the amyloid protein, which accumulates in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Participants, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, aged 50-89, will have study visits every 6 weeks over a period of 78 weeks and five study drug infusions.
The overall goal of the Brain Aging Project is to examine how structural MRI brain changes relate to various lifestyle factors, including fitness and physical activity, in normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. We are enrolling individuals aged 60 years or older with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and individuals with little to no memory problems This study has five visits over a 6 month period followed by five identical evaluations approximately two years later.
This is an investigator-initiated study led by Jeffrey M Burns, MD and funded in part by grants from the National Institutes of Health and by generous donations to the KU Endowment Association.
http://www.kumc.edu/news/publish/article_00526.shtml
165 participants are enrolled and are completing their visits for the two year time point.
This study will evaluate the ability of docosahexaenoic acid (omega 3 fatty acid contained in fish oil) to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. We are enrolling participants with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease aged 50 and older who are not currently on omega 3 fish oil supplements. This is an add-on therapy to the participant’s current medications. This study involves visits every three months over a period of 18 months. This study is being funded through the National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group.
10 participants are currently enrolled.
Valproate in Dementia (VALID) Study
The purpose of this two-year study is to determine if valproate delays the onset of behavioral problems and Alzheimer’s disease progression. Participants enrolled are aged 55 and older with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and with no evidence of agitation or psychotic behaviors. The study is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study group. Enrollment is closed.
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/show/NCT00071721?order=41
15 participants are currently enrolled.
This national study is examining how brain imaging and other tests can measure the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer's disease. This study will determine the effectiveness of these measures in recognizing the earliest changes of Alzheimer’s and develop methods to measure Alzheimer’s progression for future treatment studies. Enrolled participants must be over the age of 55 and can have no memory problems, mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease. This study lasts 2 - 3 years with visits approximately every 6 months. Enrollment is closed.
http://www.loni.ucla.edu/ADNI/
28 participants are currently enrolled
This study's goals are to evaluate thinking abilities in participants with early Alzheimer's disease.
17 participants are currently enrolled.
Dr. Cindy Teel, RN, PHD is leading a study on promoting caregiver health. We are enrolling participants (60 years and older) currently living with an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease to examine the benefits of a health program on caregiver health. Study participation requires an in-person visit and at least 2 follow-up telephone visits. Half of the study participants also receive 6 weekly telephone calls from a nurse practitioner. Each phone conversation lasts about 30 minutes and focuses on different aspects of health.
46 participants are currently enrolled.
This study is evaluating the oral form of the study drug and its effect on decreasing beta amyloid (protein) deposits in the brains of subjects with Alzheimer's disease.
3 participants are currently enrolled.
The KU Alzheimer and Memory Program has been selected to participate in a Phase 3 clinical trial sponsored by Elan Pharmaceuticals. The study is investigating a new drug called Bapineuzimab, a novel therapy aimed at slowing Alzheimer's disease progression. The medication under investigation consists of an infusion of antibodies that target the amyloid protein, which accumulates in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Participants, diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, aged 50-89, will have study visits every 6 weeks over a period of 78 weeks and five study drug infusions.
5 participants have been currently enrolled.
Antioxidant Defense in Alzheimer's
This study examines the brain using a novel neuroimaging technique that measure brain chemicals related to oxidative stress. The goal is to measure concentrations of an important antioxidant called Glutathione and to understand how specific chemical changes occur in the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Dr. Heather Anderson, an Alzheimer & Memory Program physician is conducting the Alzheimer Disease Exercise Program Trial (ADEPT). This study is assessing the impact of a supervised exercise program in early Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals 60 and older with memory problems are being enrolled in this 3-month trial. Enrolled participants will participate in exercise sessions with an exercise specialist three days a week at Kirmayer Fitness Center on the KUMC campus. The project is sponsored by Oppenheimer Brothers Foundation and the KU Research Institute.
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