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New York University School of Medicine
Silberstein Institute For Aging and Dementia • Current Studies |
Treatment Studies
Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), an Omega-3 Fatty Acid
This study will evaluate the effects of DHA, an omega-3
fatty acid, vs. placebo on the cognitive and behavioral
functioning of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. The
study is sponsored by the National Institute on Aging
and participation will last 18 months. Eligible participants
must have a caregiver who is able to accompany
them to each study visit. For more information, please contact
Nicole Martingano at 212-263-5845 or
nicole.martingano@med. nyu.edu.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Treatment with Avandia™ XL
This is a clinical study evaluating the possible effectiveness
of AvandiaTM extended release (rosiglitazone) vs.
placebo. Rosiglitazone is FDA approved for type 2
diabetes and is being studied for effectiveness in patients
who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The study will last
54 weeks and will include men and women age 50 and
older. Eligible participants must have a caregiver who is
able to accompany them to each study visit for the duration
of the 54-week evaluation. For more information, please
contact Nicole Martingano at 212-263-5845 or
nicole.martingano@ med.nyu.edu.
A Natural Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
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 Nicole Martingano
at 212-263-5845 or nicole.martingano@med. nyu.edu.
Rozerem™ for Alzheimer’s Patients
who have Sleep Problems
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 RozeremTM
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 Nicole Martingano at 212-263-5845 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.
EARLY AD DIAGNOSIS
Trial of New Diagnostic Procedure
for Alzheimer’s Disease (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
Alzheimer’s disease 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
multi-center 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 agerelated
cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. 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
Alzheimer’s disease, 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
Alzheimer’s disease, enrolled at the NYU Alzheimer’s
Disease Center. Please contact Dr. Alan Kluger at 212-263-7562.
Position Emission Tomography (PET) and 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 twoyear
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 Alzheimer’s disease.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) Study
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.
HELPING CAREGIVERS
Support for Couples Dealing
With a Recent Diagnosis of AD
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
Alzheimer’s disease 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 Alzheimer’s disease. 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 Alzheimer’s disease 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.
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 Alzheimer's
disease. 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.
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