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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.
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 3 trips to the clinic)
How many visits are there? Up to three (3) 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.
Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative 4 (ADNI 4)
Since its launch in 2004, the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study has been validating biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials. ADNI4 continues the previously funded ADNI1, ADNI-GO, ADNI2, and ADNI3 studies. ADNI is an observational research study, which means it has no study drug or intervention. This study is designed to look at the relationship between clinical, cognitive, imaging, genetic, and biomarker tests to learn more about brain health and the full spectrum of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from its earliest stages. The ADNI study will enroll participants from three groups:
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- Cognitively Normal (CN) group: individuals with no apparent memory problems.
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) group: individuals diagnosed with early or late stages of mild memory problems.
- Dementia (DEM) group: individuals diagnosed with a mild-stage dementia.
What are the study procedures? Procedures include questionnaires, cognitive testing, MRI scans, PET scans, fasting blood draws, and optional lumbar punctures
How long is participation? Five years with an option to continue enrollment.
How many visits are there? Visits may vary depending on the study group assignments. Typically, participants come in for a yearly or biyearly visit, not to exceed six visits per yearly study visit.
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? Research studies are designed to help answer questions that will contribute to the Alzheimer’s disease research field. The ADNI study is designed to determine the relationships between the clinical, cognitive, imaging, genetic, and biochemical biomarker characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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 (3) years
How many study visits are there? Four (4) 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 inter-related 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 (7) days and completing daily surveys about sleep, hot flashes, and monitor wear time.
How long is participation? Seven (7) days, plus two visits before and after (no more than 14 days)
How many visits are there? Two (2) 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 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
Investigational medicine trials are coming soon. We will provide the study details once available.
CARE: Unmasking the Financial Burden Experienced by Alzheimer's Caregivers
The CARE study is designed to provide those new to the role of caregiving to people with dementia an opportunity to share their newfound experiences through online Zoom interviews and how becoming a caregiver has impacted their daily life. Non-recent caregivers can complete the online surveys.
Who can participate? People 18 years or older, who serve as a caregiver to a person with dementia and people who have become caregivers within the last 15-24 months. Both the person with dementia and the caregiver must reside in the same household.
What are the study procedures? A virtual interview for recent caregivers; online surveys for non-recent caregivers.
How long is participation? Participation consists of a virtual confidential one on one interview followed by an optional online set of surveys that should take 15-20 minutes to complete.
How many visits are there? One virtual visit, unless an in person or phone interview is requested by the caregiver.
Is there compensation available? Yes
Why is this research being done? The CARE study seeks to examine the experiences of dementia caregivers, exploring how their new role affects their daily lives and overall health. By gaining insights from caregivers, we aim to enhance our understanding of caregiving dynamics and find ways to improve caregivers' quality of life.
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.
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