New York University School of Medicine
Silberstein Institute For Aging and Dementia • Current Studies

Are you caring for someone who is in the middle or late stage of Alzheimer’s? Would you like to see them function and feel better? Would you like to solve the empty day syndrome? The goal of this study is to determine the added value of an individualized patient management program in AD patients receiving memantine. Subjects with moderate to severe AD are eligible. All patients receive memantine and follow up evaluations at no charge. In addition, patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives compensation and the other receives an individualized program consisting of caregiver training and support as well as home visits to get the patient exercising, doing enjoyable activities and cognitive stimulation. The study duration is 7 months. For information about participating in this program please contact Dr. Sunnie Kenowsky at 212-263-7164 or sunnie.kenowsky@med.nyu.edu.

AD Treatment with Flurizan:

Men and women age 55 and older, who have been diagnosed with mild AD may be eligible to participate in a clinical study evaluating the possible effectiveness of Flurizan™ (MPC-7869). This drug is related to a non-steroidal antiinflammatory compound and may reduce the production of beta-amyloid in the brain. The study will evaluate changes in cognitive function over an 18 month period in patients receiving either Flurizan™ or placebo. Eligible participants must have a caregiver who is able to accompany them to each study visit. To get more information or to see if you or a family member qualify, contact:
Robert L. Smith at 212-263-5708 or rob.smith@med.nyu.edu.

A Natural Treatment for AD: Huperzine A

Huperzine A is a natural cholinesterase inhibitor derived from the Chinese herb Huperzia serrata. There is evidence that Huperzine A may compare favorably in symptomatic efficacy to other cholinesterase inhibitors currently in use. This placebo-controlled clinical trial utilizes pharmaceutical grade Huperzine A or placebo to evaluate cognitive changes. The study is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging and requires a total of 9 visits over a 24 week period. Eligible participants must have a caregiver who is able to accompany them to each study visit. For more information, please contact Robert L. Smith at 212-263-5708 or rob.smith@med.nyu.edu.

Study Evaluating Aricept^® in Hispanic Patients who suffer from Mild to Moderate AD:

This 12 week study will evaluate treatment with Aricept® in Hispanic patients with mild to moderate AD. Patients who are 50 years of age or older and have a designated caregiver may be eligible for this study. Please contact Diana Rojas-Soto, MD, at 212-263-1027 or
Robert L. Smith 212-263-5708.

Rozerem™ for Alzheimer’s Patients who have Sleep Problems:y

We are seeking men and women age 55 or older who have a diagnosis of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease and suffer from disturbed sleep patterns. This study evaluates the possible effectiveness of Rozerem™ vs. placebo for improving patients’ sleep cycles. This drug is not being tested for its effects on cognition or functioning. Eligible participants must have a caregiver who can join the patient for 8 visits over an 8-week period. Contact Robert L. Smith at 212-263-5708 to apply or ask questions.

Biomarkers with Memantine Treatment:

This investigator-initiated study is designed to examine the effects of memantine (drug approved for the treatment of moderate to severe AD) on CSF biomarkers of AD (amyloid beta, tau proteins and isoprostanes) and on the levels of brain metabolites as measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H1- MRS). Study recruitment includes normal individuals with subjective memory complaints, patients with mild cognitive impairment, and those with mild AD. Eligible subjects must be between 55 and 90 years of age. For information about participating in this project, please contact Dr. Lidia Sobanska, Center for Brain Health Coordination
at 212-263-1091.

Evaluation of Safety and Tolerability of Antioxidant Treatment in AD Patients:

We are seeking subjects who suffer from mild to moderate AD to participate in a 16-week, placebo-controlled trial evaluating a combination of antioxidants for their safety, tolerability and impact on chemicals in cerebrospinal fluid associated with AD. Patients who are age 60-85, are willing to have a lumbarpuncture and have a caregiver that can accompany them to each visit are encouraged to participate. Contact Robert L. Smith at 212-263-5708 or rob.smith@med.nyu.edu.

Early AD Diagnosis
Trial of New Diagnostic Procedure for AD:

This is a trial of a new diagnostic procedure for AD based on examination of the eye, which is an extension of the brain. We are looking for participants that have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment or AD and normal individuals over the age of 60 to complete an eye examination. Participants will receive a neurological screening, an ophthalmological evaluation with a glaucoma screening and a free eyeglass prescription. Please contact Research Coordinator, Tricia Spoto at 212-263-5108.

Longitudinal Neuroimaging Study in AD:

We are currently taking part in the national Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), a study sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This multicenter study is being undertaken to find the most effective methods for tracking physical changes in the brain and in body fluids during the course of AD and to establish those methods as clinical standards. We will enroll patients diagnosed with AD (within the last year), patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and people with no memory complaints (other than the normal memory problems associated with age). Participants must be aged 55-90 and in general good health. All participants will receive standard neuropsychological testing, blood and urine tests and an MRI scan. Some participants will receive a PET scan and analysis of their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). All subjects will be repeatedly assessed every 6 months for 2 to 3 years. For further information, please contact Dr. Miroslaw Brys at 212-263-0407.

Longitudinal Study of Normal Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD):

Participants receive a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and will be evaluated every two years. The goal of this project is to improve the early diagnosis and to better understand the clinical course and causes of age-related cognitive decline and AD. For more information, please call Emma Shulman at 212-263-5756.

Longitudinal Study of Human Gait (walking ability):

The purpose of this federally funded grant project is to determine whether quantitative measures of human gait pattern can improve the early detection (and/or allow accurate prediction of possible subsequent decline) to AD, particularly among elderly differing widely in levels of education. This project will specifically test gait function, using both computerized and non-computerized assessment techniques. The gait assessments require about 15 - 20 minutes to complete. The study is open to participants with normal cognitive function, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, enrolled at the NYU Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Please contact Dr. Alan Kluger at 212-263-7562.

Position Emission Tomography (PET) & Memory Study:

These NIH funded programs are designed to use advanced brain imaging techniques to measure the anatomy and metabolic function of the brain so as to predict future cognitive impairment. The on-going two-year longitudinal imaging studies of healthy elderly individuals has helped us better understand the differences between successful aging and the progression to memory impairment and to AD. We are developing and testing a profile of measures to identify those at increased risk for future memory impairment. Study recruitment includes normal individuals between 20-90 years and individuals with memory problems. For information about participating in these projects, please contact Schantel Williams, Center for Brain Health Coordination at 212-263-7563.

Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF):

This study is designed to develop a specific early AD diagnosis based on analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. This NIH supported project will evaluate whether the amount and type of amyloid beta and tau proteins (proteins associated with AD) and isoprostanes (product of lipid peroxidation) that are found in the cerebrospinal fluid are related to memory changes and the brain shrinkage determined from MRI studies. The objective of this program is to develop a screening test for early AD. Study recruitment includes normal individuals between 40 and 90 years of age, individuals with memory problems, mild cognitive impairment, and AD. For information about participating in this project, please contact Dr. Kenneth Rich, Center for Brain Health Coordination at 212-263-7563.

A unique free counseling study has been designed especially for couples and is supported by a grant from the Alzheimer’s Association. During 6 weekly meetings, together with a counselor, couples will discuss problems resulting from the illness and workable responses to them. Couples will be encouraged to share thoughts and feelings, and find ways to help and support each other. For further information, please call Cynthia Epstein, ACSW at 212-263-1056 or Ursula Auclair, LCSW at 212-263-2245.

Compare the Effects of the NYU Intervention on Rural and Urban Caregivers:

This study for adult-children of a parent with AD will be conducted simultaneously in New York City and rural Minnesota. All participants will have access to resource information and support from experts as needed. Those in the enhanced group will meet with a counselor individually and with other family members. Based on an earlier research program, we expect that all participants will experience significant benefits to their well-being. For further information, please call the study coordinator, Olanta Barton at 212-263-5710.

For Caregivers of Parents in the Middle Stage of AD:

The study investigates an education and support intervention designed to reduce the stress, anxiety, and depression frequently experienced by people whose parents are in the moderate stage of AD. The goal of this study is to help caregivers provide a more stimulating environment for their parents and have a positive experience interacting with them and providing care. Everyone who enrolls will receive self-teaching materials especially written for this project. For further information, please call Olanta Barton at 212-263-5710.

Are You Caring for a Relative with Alzheimer’s Disease?

You may be eligible to participate in an evaluation of a counseling and support intervention. Benefits include information about AD and available resources, support and counseling for caregivers, services in Spanish and English, and participation at no cost to you. If you would like more information, please contact Dr. Caroline Gelman at 212-992-9731 or csr6@nyu.edu.

Memantine (Namenda) and Individualized Alzheimer’s Care:

Are you caring for someone who is in the middle or late stage of Alzheimer’s? Would you like to see them function and feel better? Would you like to solve the empty day syndrome? The goal of this study is to determine the added value of an individualized patient management program in AD patients receiving memantine. Subjects with moderate to severe AD are eligible. All patients receive memantine and follow up evaluations at no charge. In addition, patients will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives compensation and the other receives an individualized program consisting of caregiver training and support as well as home visits to get the patient exercising, doing enjoyable activities and cognitive stimulation. The study duration is 7 months. For information about participating in this program please contact Dr. Sunnie Kenowsky at 212-263-7164 or sunnie.kenowsky@med.nyu.edu.

Support Groups
A new early stage Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group will be starting this September 2006. This group focuses on issues facing people in the early stages of AD. For further information please call Ms. Karyn Marsh at 212-263-2617 or Dr. Christine Weber at 212-263-7619.

Life Review Group – designed for individuals in the middle stages of AD. Group activities center around individuals discussing meaningful events of their past to facilitate remembering. For further information, please contact Tricia Spoto at 212-263-7619.

Horticultural therapy – an activity-based group designed for individuals in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease. This group takes place at the NYU Garden once per week. Participants engage in a variety of activities with plants, herbs and vegetables. For further information please contact Tricia Spoto at 212-263-5108.

Brain Donation Program:

The NYU ADRC team is very grateful to donors and their families for participation in our Brain Donation Program. Brain autopsy provides a definitive diagnosis for families while contributing to important research on the causes and treatment of brain aging and AD. Volunteers with and without memory impairment are eligible for participation in this program. For further information, please contact Tricia Spoto at 212-263-5108 or spotot01@med.nyu.edu.

<<Columbia University Clinical Trails  |  Mount Sinai School of Medicine Clinical Trails>>

Previous | Next