Memory Loss

The 100-Year Human Aging Study is a long-term observational research project enrolling adult participants to undergo detailed multi-system health screenings and follow them throughout their lives until death. The study aims to identify which health measurements taken at enrollment and repeatedly over time can predict overall mortality, cause-specific death, serious diseases, and functional disability. It addresses the current lack of validated longevity measures by generating data on how various physiological and cognitive functions relate to aging outcomes. Participants undergo a comprehensive clinical screening that includes tests of cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, mobility, neurocognitive performance, sensory functions, and metabolic health. Structural imaging assessments like DEXA scans, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, retinal photography, and vascular ultrasound are performed. Laboratory tests and detailed medical, social, and environmental histories are also collected. The study allows participation from single tests up to a full two-visit screening, with repeat testing encouraged to track health changes over time. Throughout the study, participants receive individualized reports with investigational estimates of biological age and predicted mortality risks, which are being evaluated against actual health outcomes. Researchers collect data continuously on mortality, disease occurrence, disability, and health behavior changes. The study involves ongoing follow-up with periodic assessments and aims to preserve all collected data for future analyses, with participant involvement potentially spanning their entire lifespan.

Cognitive impairment related to dementia is often missed in primary care, especially among older adults from minority and socio-economically disadvantaged populations. Researchers are evaluating the 5-Cog brief cognitive assessment, a quick, simple, and standardized tool that takes less than 5 minutes and addresses cultural and logistical barriers. This pragmatic cluster-randomized trial aims to test whether the 5-Cog paradigm improves detection of new cases of cognitive impairment and dementia care in older adults with cognitive concerns. The study involves 22 primary care clinics in Bronx and Indiana, enrolling about 6,600 patients aged 65 and older who report cognitive concerns. Participants receive either the 5-Cog battery combined with a clinical decision-making tool or enhanced usual care, which includes cognitive concern screening. The 5-Cog battery includes tests like Picture Memory Impairment Screen, Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome diagnosis, and Symbol Match. Primary care physicians receive results and decision support but use their clinical judgment in care decisions. Participants undergo cognitive concern screening before their appointments. Researchers will review new cognitive impairment diagnoses and improvements in dementia care within 90 days after the primary care visit using electronic medical records. Additional evaluations include tests for reversible causes, medication changes, specialist referrals, and social support. The study also examines the 5-Cog paradigms implementation and cost-effectiveness, focusing on populations facing health disparities. Total participation duration varies by patient and clinic schedule.

Researchers are evaluating the use of 18F-MFBG PET scans to assess heart nerve activity in people with Parkinsons disease PD, multiple system atrophy MSA, dementia with Lewy bodies DLB, and Alzheimers disease AD. The study compares this method with the current standard 123I-MIBG SPECT scans, focusing on distinguishing between PD and MSA as well as DLB and AD. This is a prospective study conducted at two centers, aiming to validate the accuracy and feasibility of 18F-MFBG PET for these neurological conditions. Participants will undergo several imaging tests including dynamic cardiac 18F-MFBG PET, 123I-MIBG SPECT, and cerebral 18F-PE2I PET scans. Healthy volunteers and patients with confirmed diagnoses will be included, with groups divided by age and disease duration. A dosimetry study will also be conducted for healthy volunteers to measure radiation exposure from 18F-MFBG. Multiple visits to the hospital are required for scans and assessments. During the study, participants will have thorough neurological assessments, brain MRI scans, and blood sampling alongside PET and SPECT imaging. Researchers will evaluate diagnostic accuracy, effect size of tracer uptake changes, and relationships between heart nerve imaging and brain dopamine transporter changes and autonomic dysfunction. The study includes monitoring for safety and will analyze regional heart uptake patterns. Participants can expect 3 to 4 hospital visits with detailed imaging and clinical evaluations over the study period.

Researchers are evaluating the use of PET imaging with the radioligand 18FPI-2620 to detect tau protein deposits in people with Alzheimers disease and healthy controls. This open-label, multi-center, non-randomized Phase 3 study aims to compare PET imaging results during life with brain tissue analysis after death to better understand tau pathology in Alzheimers. The study is sponsored by Lantheus Biosciences Ltd. and focuses on diagnostic accuracy and safety of this imaging technique. Participants receive an intravenous injection of 18FPI-2620 at a dose of 185 MBq 20%. The study involves a PET scan procedure that participants must tolerate, including lying still in the scanner. There are no randomized groups or placebo controls as this is an open-label study. The research compares the PET imaging findings with post-mortem brain autopsy results to evaluate the ability of this imaging to detect tau deposits accurately. During the study, participants undergo PET imaging and are monitored for their ability to tolerate the scan. Brain donation consent is required for post-mortem histopathological comparison. Researchers assess the diagnostic performance of the PET scan in correctly identifying tau-related pathology and Alzheimers disease changes. The primary outcome focuses on the accuracy of visual assessment of PET images compared to autopsy findings, with follow-up continuing until study completion and an average of one year after death.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effects of AP-Brain, a dietary supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen, on cognitive function in healthy younger adults who report attention problems. The study is designed as a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial aiming to understand how different doses of AP-Brain affect cognitive abilities, with a focus on the CNS VS Neurocognitive Index NCI score and complex attention. Participants will be assigned to one of four groups AP-Brain doses of 1 gram, 3 grams, or 5 grams, or a placebo. Each dose is taken as a capsule or combination of capsules totaling five tablets during an in-clinic visit with a standardized meal. The placebo contains inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. The treatment period lasts 56 days, during which participants consume the assigned product and complete memory and cognitive assessment questionnaires. During the study, participants will complete cognitive tests at multiple timepoints, including baseline, Day 1, Day 28, and Day 56, to measure changes in cognitive function using the CNS VS test battery. Researchers will also monitor biomarkers like brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF and markers of inflammation. Participants agree to maintain lifestyle habits and avoid certain substances before visits. The study includes safety monitoring and questionnaires to assess product perception, with total participation lasting about 56 days.

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effects of AP-Brain, a dietary supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen, on cognitive performance in healthy middle-aged and older adults who have reported memory problems. The study aims to understand how different doses of AP-Brain 1 g, 3 g, and 5 g compare to a placebo in impacting cognitive abilities. This trial is designed as a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled proof of concept study. Participants will be assigned to one of four groups receiving either 1 g, 3 g, or 5 g of AP-Brain, or a placebo. Each dose consists of five capsules taken with a standardized meal during an in-clinic visit, with the number of AP-Brain capsules and placebo capsules varying per group to maintain blinding. The study duration is 56 days, during which cognitive performance will be assessed at various time points. Throughout the study, participants will complete memory assessment questionnaires and undergo neurocognitive testing using the CNS Vital Signs CNS VS test battery. Researchers will measure changes in cognitive performance, including attention, memory, processing speed, executive function, and other brain functions. Safety is monitored through medical history, lab tests, and vital signs. The main outcome is the change in cognitive scores from baseline to Day 56, with secondary outcomes assessing earlier changes and biological markers. Participants are expected to maintain lifestyle habits and adhere to restrictions on caffeine, alcohol, medications, and exercise around visits.

Researchers are exploring how a digital life story application can support person-centred care for older adults with dementia. The study focuses on healthcare professionals perspectives and aims to see if the digital application can replace traditional written life story documents used in care. The life story tool is intended to help create security and improve communication between healthcare professionals and people with dementia by sharing important personal information and experiences. The study involves healthcare professionals who currently use a written life story in their daily care routines. They will participate in focus group interviews to share their experiences, then transfer information from the written life story to the digital application called Min Memoria. This digital tool will be tested in daily care settings, and researchers will observe how it is used during interactions and communication with older adults with dementia. Participants will be involved over several periods from October 2023 to August 2024, researchers will collect experiences of using the written life story from September 2024 to August 2025, usage data of the digital tool will be gathered and from September 2025 to December 2026, observations will be made on how the digital life story is used in care situations. The study will monitor these experiences and interactions to evaluate the potential benefits and application of the digital life story tool.

Researchers are evaluating the Green Activity Program designed for people living with memory challenges and their study partners. The program includes outdoor nature activities such as dog walking, hiking, yoga, and gardening, aiming to help participants stay active and improve their health and well-being. This feasibility study focuses on whether participants can complete and enjoy the program, supporting their participation in nature activities. The study involves a single group of 40 pairs dyads consisting of individuals with memory challenges and their study partners. Over 12 weeks, participants engage in 4 to 8 virtual or phone sessions lasting 30 to 90 minutes each, plus 2 additional check-ins of 15 to 30 minutes. Outdoor activity professionals also participate by evaluating sites for safety and accessibility, receiving dementia training, and learning strategies to tailor activities and provide behavioral support. Participants complete evaluations before and after the 12-week program, including surveys, brief phone interviews, and physical activity and health assessments. Researchers measure feasibility, acceptability, behavior change, physical activity, well-being, social participation, depression, cognitive function, and other health-related outcomes. Feedback from study partners and outdoor professionals is also collected. The total study duration for participants may last up to one year to include all evaluations and follow-ups.

Researchers are evaluating the safety of LY3954068 in people with early symptomatic Alzheimers Disease. This study also examines how much of the drug enters the bloodstream and its effects on Alzheimers markers. It is a Phase 1 trial sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company focused on participants aged 50 to 85 years with early signs of the disease. The study includes two parts Part A and Part B. In Part A, each participant receives a single dose of LY3954068 or placebo injected into the spinal fluid. In Part B, participants receive two doses of either LY3954068 or placebo administered the same way. There is an optional bridging period after Part B where participants may receive LY3954068 in a separate study. Part A lasts about 45 weeks including screening, and Part B lasts about 100 weeks including screening. Participants will undergo regular assessments such as safety monitoring for adverse events related to the study drug, blood and spinal fluid sampling to measure drug levels and effects on tau proteins, and imaging with Flortaucipir F18 PET scans for tau pathology. Cognitive tests like the Mini Mental State Examination and Clinical Dementia Rating will be used. Safety and drug effects will be followed up to 24 weeks in Part A and up to 52 weeks in Part B, with additional monitoring during the bridging period if chosen.

Researchers are investigating the relationship between gut microbiota dysfunction and Alzheimers disease AD, focusing on how gut-derived short-chain fatty acids SCFAs may influence brain function through the gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks pathway. This observational study will explore differences in SCFAs among people across the AD spectrum, including cognitively normal individuals, those with subjective cognitive decline SCD, mild cognitive impairment MCI, and AD dementia. The project aims to clarify the interactions between gut microbiome, metabolites, and brain changes using high-throughput metabolomics and multi-modal MRI techniques. Participants will be grouped into four categories cognitively normal, SCD, MCI, and AD dementia. The study involves collecting multi-omics data, including gut microbiome analysis, metabolomics, and neuroimaging, to establish a diagnostic model for SCD due to preclinical AD using machine learning methods. The study spans five years, during which gut microbiome changes, SCFAs levels, and multi-omics biomarkers related to cognitive impairment conversion will be monitored. Participants will undergo cognitive tests and brain imaging scans, along with gut microbiome and metabolite sample collection. Researchers will assess the interaction mechanisms of the gut microbiota-SCFAs-brain networks over five years. The study includes both healthy volunteers and patients aged 60 to 80. Outcome measures focus on changes in gut microbiome, SCFAs, and biomarkers linked to cognitive decline, with long-term follow-up to better understand the disease progression and its early detection.