Columbia University Medical Center • Taub Institute
Clinical Trials
Study of Oral ELND005 (AZD-103) in Mild-to-Moderate
Alzheimer’s Disease
We are currently screening participants for this Phase II
study of an oral compound which researchers hope will
prevent the formation of amyloid protein clusters in the
brain and perhaps shrink the clusters that are already
there. English- and Spanish-speaking individuals
diagnosed with probable AD who are between the ages
of 50 and 85 inclusive may be eligible to participate
For more information, contact Lynda Mules at 212-305-2077 or
lm2538@columbia.edu.
Study of Bapineuzumab (AAB-001, ELN15727) in
Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease
This is a Phase III study of bapineuzumab administered
by IV infusion which researchers hope will attach to the
amyloid protein in the brain and help the body to
remove it. Individuals diagnosed with probable AD who
are 50 to 88 years old may be eligible to participate. For
more information, please contact Evelyn Dominguez at 212-305-2371.
Effect of Gamma-Secretase Inhibition on the
Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease
This is a Phase III study of the effect of LY45013, an oral
compound, on the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Men and women age 55 and older with mild-tomoderate
Alzheimer’s disease may be eligible to
participate. For more information, please contact Lynda Mules at
212-305-2077 or lm2538@columbia.edu.
Metformin in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
This study, funded by the Institute for the Study of
Aging, is a clinical trial of metformin, a medication
effective in the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
The basis for this study is that persons with diabetes, and
persons at risk of diabetes, could have a higher risk of
Alzheimer's disease. Thus,we seek to test this medication
vs a similar pill without effects (placebo) in persons with
mild cognitive impairment, a condition in which persons
have memory complaints and detectable memory
deficits on testing. To be eligible for this study, people
must be overweight or obese, over the age of 55 years,
and have memory complaints. The study will last 12
months. For further information, please contact Dr. Jose Luchsinger
at
212-305-4730 or jal94@columbia.edu.
Antipsychotic Medication Treatment of Psychosis and
Behavioral Dyscontrol in Alzheimer's Disease Study
Behavioral Dyscontrol in Alzheimer's Disease Study
This research study, funded by the National Institute of
Aging, uses risperidone (an FDA-approved antipsychotic
medication) to treat people with Alzheimer's disease who
suffer from hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and/or
aggression. Treatment continues over a period of 48 weeks. Each eligible participant must have a family
member or caregiver who can assist with adherence to
treatment and provide information during the research
study. For further information, please contact Michelle Motta at 212-543-6132.
Antidepressant Treatment Studies for Combined
Depression and Memory Complaints
We are currently conducting medication treatment
studies for individuals (age 50+) experiencing both
depression and mild memory and/or concentration
difficulties. The studies offer both neuropsychological
testing for memory and psychiatric evaluation of mood
prior to and during the period of treatment. Treatment
in our clinic is provided for eligible individuals at no
cost for at least 6 months. For further information, please contact
Karine Cunqueiro at 212-543-5067.
NEUROIMAGING STUDIES
Brain Imaging Study of Smell Function in Healthy
Individuals and Patients with Memory Complaints
This study uses brain-imaging procedures to understand
how aging and Alzheimer's disease affect smell function.
Healthy individuals and patients with memory
complaints or with Alzheimer's disease receive a
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan
while smelling common odors (e.g., coffee). Similar to
standard MRI, which looks at brain structures, MRI
uses magnetic fields and radio waves to look at how the
brain is functioning. This study will help us to understand
the changes that occur in brain activity with age
and disease progression. For further information, please contact
Matt Tabert, Ph.D., at 212-543-5046.
PET Scan Study for People with Parkinson's Disease,
Dementia with Lewy Body Disease, Alzheimer's
Disease, and Healthy Volunteers
We are seeking English-speaking men and women, age
50 to 95, who have either Parkinson's disease, Dementia
with Lewy Body disease, Alzheimer's disease, or are
healthy without memory problems. Participants will
receive a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
that uses a radioactive tracer to bind to a dopaminergic
transporter. This tracer may serve as an agent for in vivo
imaging of dopaminergic degeneration in patients with
different neurodegenerative diseases. Standard clinical
procedures will be done including memory testing,
blood work, and an MRI scan. The study consists of
two visits, and participants will receive compensation.
For futher information, please contact Linda Sanders at 212-342-0522 or
Oksana Tatarina at 212-305-1987.
Alzheimer’s Disease PET Scan Study
This study explores whether a novel imaging agent used
during a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan can
confirm an AD diagnosis while the patient is alive. This
would be useful for diagnosing AD, evaluating the effects
of different drugs, allowing doctors to diagnose AD
earlier, and identifying subjects at risk for developing
AD. We are seeking individuals older than 50 years of
age (females must no longer be of childbearing
potential) who are in good general health with no
memory problems OR who do have a diagnosis of
Alzheimer’s disease. Participants must be fluent in
English, must be willing and able to undergo the test
procedures, and must have a study partner who is
willing to answer a few questions For more information, please
contact Oksana Tatarina 212-305-1987 or Linda Sanders
212-342-0522.
OTHER STUDIES
Genetic Linkage Study
We are seeking families of all nationalities and
backgrounds for a study that seeks to identify genes that
may increase the risk for developing Alzheimer's disease
(AD). If your family has at least two living siblings diagnosed with AD
who are 60 years old or older, please call Vincent Santana at
800-243-5828 or Jennifer Williamson at 212-305-4655.
Memory Problems II: Course and
Predictors of Outcome
Research study for people ages 55-90, with and without
memory complaints. Includes medical evaluation by
physicians who specialize in memory disorders, and
neuropsychological testing that assesses memory &
intellectual functions. Medical evaluation and neuropsychological
testing with close monitoring will take
place annually for 7 years. At the initial visit only, the
following procedures will also be performed: an MRI
scan to evaluate structures in the brain involved with
memory; two PET scans to evaluate function in brain
regions involved with memory and a protein produced
by the brain thought to be involved in memory loss; and
a spinal tap. Participants are reimbursed $150 for both
PET scans, $50 for the MRI scan, and $50 for the spinal
tap. Participants may also be compensated for time and
travel. For more information, please call 212-543-5025.
Studies of Cognition, Perception and Aging
We are seeking individuals to participate in our research
studies on visual cognition, perception and aging. These
studies involve computer tasks with shapes and words as
well as paper-and-pencil tasks to assess memory and
language. Individuals will receive $20/hour for participating.
You may be eligible to participate if you are age
60–80 and have no history of stroke, epilepsy or
glaucoma. For more information, please call 212-342-1729.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Brain Donation Program “Give the Gift of Knowledge”
Brain donation allows valuable information to be
obtained regarding normal aging and diseases that affect
memory. This information may be useful towards the
goal of developing more effective treatment strategies. If
you or a family member wish to learn more about this program, please call
Arlene Lawton, RN, at 212-305-9086.
Lucy G. Moses Center for Memory
and Behavioral Disorders
Changes in memory and thinking abilities can
occur from a variety of conditions, not just Alzheimer’s
disease. Taub Institute specialists offer a thorough
multidisciplinary evaluation of memory and thinking
difficulties at two locations:
The Neurological Institute
710West 168th Street
NewYork, NY 10032
Columbia Presbyterian Eastside
16 East 60th Street
NewYork,NY 10022
For Appointments call: 212-305-6939.
|