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Explore Study Opportunities
At the KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, we're doing more than imagining the future. We're doing the work to make it real. Join us and be part of the progress.
View our Currently Enrolling Studies
To learn how you or a loved one can take part in a study, call 913-588-0555 or complete the Sign Me Up! form online.
Please select one of the study categories below to learn about the different research studies we offer.
KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center Clinical Cohort
The purpose of the University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (KU ADRC) Clinical Cohort is to develop a group of well-characterized research participants, a database of clinical, cognitive, and imaging data, and a bank of biospecimens to support and stimulate research in aging, cognition, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease at KUMC, regionally, and nationally.
Who can participate? Adults with memory loss (any age) and adults without memory loss (age 60 and older).
What are the procedures? Clinical memory assessment, pen and paper test, and blood draw. Optional procedures include any of the following: MRI, neurovascular and fitness assessment, and lumbar puncture.
How long is participation? Annual visits for as long as participants are willing to attend (each annual visit may require up to three trips to the clinic)
How many visits are there? Up to three study visits annually.
Is there compensation? No
Why is this research being done? The KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is building a powerful resource to unlock the mysteries of memory, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. By collecting memory tests, brain images, and biological samples from participants, researchers can make new discoveries that lead to earlier detection, better treatments, and hopefully, a future without Alzheimer’s dementia.
Olfactory Function in Various Populations (AROMA + ML)
A longitudinal observation study investigating the links between noninvasive olfactory testing, ADRD biomarkers, and cognitive performance.
Who can participate? Adults aged 50-80 with MCI or AD.
What are the procedures? Memory assessment, physical assessment, olfactory assessment, blood draw, MRI (optional)
How long is participation? Three years
How many study visits are there? Four visits
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? There is a lack of noninvasive methods for reliably testing and screening for Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. To address this critical issue, we are investigating how performance on olfactory testing - and patterns of correct and incorrect responses - is linked to other dementia biomarkers. This data will allow us, with the help of machine learning algorithms, to build predictive models that may one day be used in accessible, noninvasive screening for Alzheimer's Disease and dementia.
Risk and Protective Factors for Cognitive Function in the Menopause Transition (MENO-COG)
Little is known about how common symptoms of menopause are interrelated. This study will examine the cognitive changes reported by women during their menopausal transition and how they are affected by sleep, physical activity, hot flashes, and night sweats.
Who can participate? Women experiencing the transition into menopause, between the ages of 40 and 60. Must have one or more of the following:
- BMI >= 30 or Waist circumference >35 inches
- High Blood Sugar
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- High Blood Pressure
- History of smoking
What are the study procedures? A Fasting blood draw, blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, cognitive testing, and questionnaires.
Wearing a wrist monitor at home for seven days and completing daily surveys about sleep, hot flashes, and monitor wear time.
How long is participation? Seven days, plus two visits before and after (no more than 14 days)
How many visits are there? Two visits
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? Historically, menopause has been understudied and poorly understood. This study will deepen our understanding about cognitive changes experienced during menopause. Ultimately, we hope that this research will lead to treatments and prevention tools for helping women in menopause.
Brain Health Biobank (BHB) study
Brain Health Biobank (BHB) study
The purpose of this study is to create a registry and biorepository of University of Kansas Health System (UKHS) patients who are at-risk for or have cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. By consenting to this study, patients allow access and use of their medical information and samples for this biorepository. No extra visits or changes to clinical care are required.
Who can participate? Participants seen in the UKHS Memory Care Clinic and other participating UKHS clinics.
What are the study procedures? No extra procedures beyond the standard of care visits. Extra blood or other samples may be taken and saved for future research when you are already having samples taken for your clinical care.
How long is participation? This is an ongoing study.
How many visits are there? No additional visits beyond the standard of care are needed for this study.
Is there compensation? No
Why is this research being done? Historically, diagnoses of dementia have been challenging to determine. This biorepository will allow us to improve diagnosis and treatment for those who have cognitive impairment, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
AvoCog
Avocados contain many nutrients beneficial for the brain. The AvoCog Study is a 12-week dietary intervention trial that includes the consumption of avocados. Participants will have a total of four in-person study visits at The University of Kansas Medical Center campus. These visits will include various assessments, such as MRI, blood sampling, questionnaires, and memory and thinking tests.
Who can participate? Older adults aged 65-85 who eat fewer than 2 avocados per month.
What are the study procedures?
- Questionnaires
- Blood Draws
- Memory and thinking tests
- MRI
- Veggie Meter
How long is participation? 1-2 weeks for screening and 12 weeks of participation.
How many visits are there? Four
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? As the older adult population ages, more individuals are affected by cognitive decline. Lifestyle factors like diet may influence cognitive health indicators. Avocados, a nutrient-dense and brain-healthy food, may positively impact brain health and function. We want to understand if avocado consumption affects memory and thinking in this population.
Fight-AD
Alzheimer’s is a prevalent neurodegenerative disease with various risk factors. As we age, metabolic health becomes crucial for brain health. While exercise helps with energy use in cells (metabolism), not everyone can do it effectively. Exploring hot tub use as an alternative, we aim to study if three days a week of hot tub heat therapy can enhance glucose processing in the blood and brain in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's.
Who can participate? Individuals 65 and older without cognitive impairment, including those with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
What are the study procedures? Over 10 weeks, participants will sit in a hot tub for 45 minutes, three times a week.
How long is participation? 13 weeks, including screening, treatment, and follow-up.
How many visits are there? 30 sessions, in addition to screening and follow-up visits.
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? This research aims to explore if sitting in a hot tub can substitute for exercise in improving metabolic health, particularly in enhancing the body's glucose processing. Good metabolic health is linked to brain health as we age. While exercise boosts energy use in cells (metabolism), not everyone can exercise effectively. We are exploring alternative approaches.
Heat Therapy for Alzheimer’s Podcast
ONO-2020-02
This is an investigational medication trial to test whether the study drug, ONO-2020, may be effective in delaying cognitive decline and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in those with mild-moderate AD and whether the drug has any potential side effects. Participants will take ONO-2020 or a placebo by mouth over a 26-week period. During the study, participants will attend regular visits to monitor for any health concerns and to assess possible memory changes.
Who can participate? Adults aged 55-85 with mild-moderate AD.
The participant must have a caregiver who sees them often — at least 8 hours each week over 3 to 4 visits — to help them follow the rules of the study.
What are the study procedures? Pen and paper cognitive tests, questionnaires, blood draws, urine tests, physical and neurological exam, ECG, possible MRI or CT.
Participants may receive the study drug (67% chance) or a placebo (33% chance).
How long is participation? The study lasts approximately 9 months. Screening may take up to 6 weeks, followed by 6 months of treatment with study drug/placebo, and a follow-up visit 4 weeks after treatment.
How many visits are there? 10 total study visits.
Is there compensation available? Yes
Why is this research being done? This study is seeking to find a safe oral medication to help slow the progression of dementia.
CuidaTEXT
The CuidaTEXT study is a trial that is designed to evaluate whether a text messaging caregiver education and support program is effective in reducing symptoms of depression and distress in Latino caregivers of individuals with dementia. The program is available in English and Spanish. The goal of the program is to help support caregivers care for themselves as well as their loved ones with dementia.
Who can participate? People 18 years or older who identify as Latino and who provide regular care for a person with dementia.
What are the study procedures? Participants will be randomized to one of two groups. One receiving a caregiving support program via text message (CuidaTEXT) immediately. The other receiving CuidaTEXT after the conclusion of a 7 month wait period. Both groups will immediately receive assessment questionnaires at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 7 months. CuidaTEXT consists of daily automatic text messages about dementia education, resources and skill training in social support, self-care, dementia care management, and problem-solving of behavioral symptoms. Besides automatic messages, caregivers will be able to interact with the program, including a live health coach for personalized help.
How long is participation? Participation for the program lasts 7 months.
How many visits are there? Phone assessments will be completed at screening, baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 7 months. All visits will be via phone.
Is there compensation available? Yes
Why is this research being done? Latinos are more likely to serve as caregivers for loved ones with dementia, provide longer caregiving, and experience more caregiver distress and depression than other groups. Latinos experience unique barriers that may reduce access to traditional caregiver support programs and interventions. The goal of this study is to learn how to best support Latino caregivers.
Can I participate in more than one study?
Depending on the type of study, you may be able to participate in multiple studies at once. Our recruitment team will help you navigate the research process. You can always enroll in another study once you have completed your current study.
Do I have to pay anything out of pocket to participate?
No. In fact, some studies offer reimbursement for mileage
and overnight stays.
Do I need insurance to participate?
No, you do not need insurance to participate in research.
Will my enrollment and study data show up on my medical records?
We value your privacy, and your study data will not be included in your medical records without your consent. However, if you have any concerns, our team is happy to talk through them with you. Study participation is always optional.
If I live out of state, can I participate in research?
Yes, depending on the requirements of each study and your willingness to commute for each study visit. Some studies are fully remote, while others may require several in-person visits. Our team will work with you to determine which study is the best fit for you.
What if I want my loved one to take part in a study, and they do not want to participate?
All parties involved in research must be willing and able to consent. For the best experience, participants should be keen on participating and fully engaged with the research process. Caregivers cannot consent on their loved one’s behalf, even if they have guardianship or power of attorney.
Who is a study partner and what do they do?
A study partner is someone who commits to attending study visits and answering questions about the participant. This should be someone who knows the participant well and interacts with them regularly, such as a significant other, family member, or close friend. Some studies may have additional requirements for study partners.
Can I participate without a study partner?
Many studies require a study partner, but some do not. Our team will provide additional details about study partner requirements.
If all of my medical records are already with the University of Kansas Health System, why do I need to sign a record release?
We still need your permission to access your medical records at the University of Kansas Health System. The process helps to keep your records secure and safe. You can always restrict access for us to view your records.
What if none of the KU ADRC studies are a good fit for me?
If you are not eligible or interested in any of our currently available studies, don’t be discouraged - you are still a part of MyAlliance for Brain Health, where you can stay up to date on future research opportunities. We are continually adding new research studies to consider. We also offer our LEAP! (Lifestyle Empowerment for Alzheimer’s Prevention) program, support groups, and educational events, where you can learn more about brain health, caregiving, and living with cognitive change.
If I am part of a study that includes medical or cognitive testing, will I receive my test results?
Each study is different. Some allow you to access individual results, while others do not. The recruitment team will be able to answer any study-specific questions you may have.
If I am a participant in a study outside of the KU ADRC, can I still participate?
Unfortunately, you cannot participate in an outside research study and a KU ADRC research study at the same time. Once you complete the outside research study, we can help find a KU ADRC research opportunity for you.
I’ve already had tests like cognitive testing required as part of a study. Why do I need to have it again?
Research testing often has different requirements than medical testing. Additionally, prior research testing cannot be shared between research studies for privacy and security reasons.
I’ve had an MRI before. Why am I not eligible to have a research MRI?
Our research scanners have different restrictions than machines used for MRIs in hospitals or clinics. For instance, some implants are acceptable for medical MRIs but are not safe for research MRIs.
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