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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.
To learn how you or a loved one can take part in a study, call 913-588-0555 (option 1) or complete the Sign Me Up! form online.
KU Alzheimer’s Disease Center Clinical Cohort
A National Institute of Health (NIH) grant-funded study to develop and maintain a well characterized group of individuals to support further research on memory and aging.
Type of Study: Observational (no treatment)
Who can participate? Individuals with memory loss age 50 and older
What are the procedures? Clinical memory assessment, pen and paper test, blood draw
How long is participation? A long-term longitudinal study with up to 3 visits annually
Is there compensation? NoCohort Study Flyer
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 resarch 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.
Bioenergetic - Neural Pathways of Gait in Alzheimer Disease (NeuroWalk)
This study explores the connection between walking and cognition for those with Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Who can participate? Individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
What are the procedures? Cognitive assessment, blood draws, questionnaires, walk and balance testing
How long is participation? This is a one-time visit lasting approximately 2.5 hours
How many study visits are there? One
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? This research is about how Alzheimer's disease affects walking and thinking abilities. We are looking at how energy production in cells (mitochondria) might be linked to these issues.
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, including MRI, blood sampling, questionnaires, and memory and thinking tests.
Who can participate? Older adults aged 65-85 who eat less 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, there are more individuals are affected by cognitive decline. Lifestyle factors like diet may modulate cognitive health indicators. Avocados are a nutrient dense, brain-healthy food that may positively impact brain health and function. We want to understand if avocado consumption impacts memory and thinking in this population.
Therapeutic Diets in Alzheimer's Disease (TDAD)
We are interested in learning about the possible brain benefits of a heart-healthy or ketogenic eating pattern. Participants will follow either a ketogenic (high fat, low carb) or heart-healthy eating pattern for three months.
Who can participate? Individuals aged 50-90 with MCI or Alzheimer's Disease who have a study partner
What are the procedures? Physical exam, blood draws, questionnaires, cognitive testing, MRI, urine testing
How long is participation? Three months of diet intervention and one-month follow-up phone call with up to seven visits for the exams, blood draws, testing, and imaging procedures
How many visits are there? A maximum of seven visits
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? We are hoping to learn more about the nutritional benefits of a heart-healthy diet and a KETO diet for those with dementia. This information will help us to improve the diet of those who Alzheimer’s disease.
Combined Exercise Trial (COMET)
A study to test whether endurance training, weight lifting, or both have independent and combined benefits for brain and body health as we age.
Type: Moderate intensity endurance exercise, weight training or both
Who can participate? Underactive individuals age 65+
What are the study procedures? Physical exam, computer and paper tests, questionnaires, blood collection, fitness tests, and MRI
How long is participation? 12 months of intervention
Is there compensation? Yes
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 is great for 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 be a 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. Hence, we are exploring alternative approaches.
Brain Health in Down Syndrome Cohort
Study overview: The Down syndrome Cohort study is a long-term, observational study. The goal of the Down syndrome Cohort study is to follow a group of participants with Down syndrome over time to learn more about brain health related to aging. This study collects a broad range of detailed information from each participant to support further research on individuals with Down syndrome in relation to aging, cognition, dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Who can participate? Adults with Down syndrome who are 18 years old or older and have a study partner who is able to attend study visits with the participant.
What are the study procedures? There are five visits within three months and some visits can be combined
- Clinical Evaluation to collect health history, family history, questionaries, brief non-invasive physical and neuro exam, vitals
- Fasting Laboratory Blood Draw
- Memory and Thinking Evaluation
- Treadmill test and DEXA scan
- Optional MRI Brain Scan
How long is participation? This is a long-term longitudinal study.
How many visits are there? Up to five visits every 16 months
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? The purpose of this study is to learn more about people who have Down syndrome and their brain health. The information collected will help to contribute to local, regional, and national research studies.
Down Syndrome Cohort Study Flyer
Trial Ready Cohort - Down Syndrome
Study overview: The Trial Ready Cohort-Down Syndrome or TRC-DS matches adults with Down syndrome to Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials designed specifically for people with Down syndrome. Volunteers will become a part of a community of clinical trial volunteers who can help to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Who can participate? Adults with Down syndrome who are between the ages of 25-55 and have no memory impairment.
What are the study procedures?
- Screening
- Blood draws, MRI and PET scans, questionnaires, and a cognitive assessment.
- Baseline
- Questionnaires, cognitive assessment, blood draw, PET, and optional lumbar puncture
- 16 – Month Follow Up
- Questionnaires, cognitive assessment, blood draw, MRI and PET, and optional lumbar puncture
How long is participation? Every 16 months until the participant is matched with an Alzheimer’s disease clinical trial.
How many visits are there? Initial screening and baseline visits followed by a regular visit every 16 months until enrollment in a clinical trial.
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? Alzheimer’s disease occurs more frequently in people with Down syndrome because they have an extra copy of chromosome 21. As many as 9 in 10 people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease. Through routine screenings, researchers can fast-track TRC-DS volunteers for enrollment in qualifying clinical studies in hope of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in people with Down syndrome.
Trial Ready Cohort - DS Study Flyer
SPARTANS
Study overview: SPARTANS will collect physical activity measures to help find better ways to measure movement in adults with Down syndrome. Volunteers will be asked to attend one study visit that lasts about two hours.
Who can participate? Adults with Down syndrome who are 18 years or older.
What are the study procedures? Height, weight, measurement of movement intensity through preforming everyday household activities and exercise.
How long is participation? Single visit lasting about 2 hours.
How many visits are there? One visit.
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? The University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center is wanting to find better ways to measure movement in adults with Down syndrome while they do everyday activities.
ABATE
Study overview: People with Down syndrome often develop Alzheimer’s disease as they get older. The ABATE study is a clinical trial testing an investigational vaccine to see if it slows the progression in individuals with Down syndrome.
We want to see:
- If the vaccine is safe
- How the vaccine works inside the body
- If it helps get rid of amyloid buildup
- If it slows down memory loss and thinking problems
Who can participate? Cognitively Normal (CN) group: individuals with no apparent memory problems.
What are the study procedures? Procedures include questionnaires, cognitive testing, ECG, MRI scans, PET scans, blood draws, and optional lumbar punctures.
How long is participation? Approx 2 Years (106 weeks)
How many visits are there? Approx 20 visits (some visits may be broken up into more or combined into less.)
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? Individuals with Down syndrome often get Alzheimer’s disease when they get older. Alzheimer’s disease occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in the brain. Right now, there is no treatment available for Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with Down syndrome. The ABATE study wants to test an investigational vaccine to see if it slows down memory loss and thinking problems.
Alzheimer Biomarker Consortium - Down Syndrome (ABC-DS)
Study overview: Active involvement in this observational study empowers individuals with Down syndrome to play a pivotal role in uncovering who is more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. We are optimistic that the findings from this study will drive progress in developing treatments and potentially slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s’ disease.
Who can participate? Adults with Down syndrome (DS) who are 25 years or older.
What are the study procedures? The following procedures could be performed depending on the study visit: blood draws, MRI and PET scans, questionnaires, and a cognitive assessment.
How long is participation? Visits every 16 months for a total of four visits, over approximately five years.
How many visits are there? A total of four different study visits that can be completed over the course of 1-3 days.
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? Alzheimer's disease is notably prevalent among individuals with Down syndrome, affecting 9 out of 10 people with DS. The ABC-DS study aims to investigate why certain individuals are more predisposed to developing AD than others. These insights hold the potential to pave the way for future treatments targeting Alzheimer's disease.
Brain Outcomes and Lifestyle in Down syndrome (BOLD)
Study overview: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) will either follow a weight loss program or get information about how to improve their overall health. The study is 12 months long and includes monthly virtual meetings and up to 5 visits to the University of Kansas Medical Center. There is no cost to join the study and participants will be compensated for their participation.
Who can participate? Adults with Down syndrome 18-64, specifically:
- BMI 25 to 45kg/m2
- Ability to communicate through spoken language
- Have a caregiver who routinely interacts with the person with Down Syndrome and is willing to attend the study visits
- No plans to relocate outside the study area over the next 12 months
What are the study procedures? Blood draw, cognitive testing, anthropometrics, MRI, dietary intake.
How long is participation? 12 months
How many visits are there? Up to five (5) visits at KUMC.
Is there compensation? Yes
Why is this research being done? We are looking for adults with Down syndrome (18-64) to join a research study to help us learn how changing what someone eats and what they weigh impacts their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
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