Memory Loss

Researchers are conducting the 100-Year Human Aging Study, an observational trial designed to follow participants over their lifespans to investigate which health measurements can predict mortality, serious diseases, and functional disability. The study aims to validate many longevity measures that currently lack prospective evidence by tracking physiological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors that change with aging. This research will generate important data to improve understanding of aging and longevity medicine. Participants undergo comprehensive multi-system clinical screenings including tests like cardiopulmonary exercise testing, body composition assessment by DEXA, echocardiography, electrocardiography, spirometry, neurocognitive testing, sensory assessments, metabolic testing, and detailed medical and social histories. The study allows for different levels of participation, from single tests to full two-visit screening batteries, and encourages repeat testing to capture health changes over time. During the study, participants receive individualized reports including investigational estimates of biological age and predicted cause of death. Researchers collect data on mortality, serious health events, chronic diseases, functional ability, and lifestyle changes through periodic follow-up over many years, potentially up to 100 years. This extensive data collection helps evaluate how well these measurements predict aging outcomes. All data are stored in raw form for future analysis and participants are supported with ongoing contact and opportunities for repeat assessments.

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 paradigm's 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 Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and Alzheimer's 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 [18F]PI-2620 to detect tau protein deposits in people with Alzheimer's 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 Alzheimer's. 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 [18F]PI-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 Alzheimer's 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 effects of a single dose of AlphaWaveae L-Theanine on mental sharpness and stress relief in healthy adults experiencing moderate stress. The study aims to determine if there is a difference in mental acuity before and after taking AlphaWaveae L-Theanine compared to a placebo. This randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial focuses on cognitive function and stress in adults aged 18 to 60. Participants will receive one capsule containing 200 mg of AlphaWaveae L-Theanine or a placebo with 250 ml of room temperature water. The study staff will provide this single dose, and participants will complete tasks to measure cognitive function. The trial uses a cross-over design, meaning participants receive both the supplement and placebo in different periods, allowing comparison within the same individual. During the study, participants will undergo assessments one hour before and one hour after dosing to measure changes in mental acuity, attention, various types of memory, psychomotor speed, sustained attention, stress levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. Participants are asked to maintain their usual lifestyle habits and avoid caffeine, alcohol, vigorous exercise, and certain medications before visits. The study includes questionnaires and diaries, with safety and health monitored throughout the trial period.

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, such as mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and subjective cognitive decline. This program focuses on "green activities," which are nature-based activities like dog walking, hiking, outdoor yoga, and gardening that participants enjoy and can do with others or pets. The study aims to see if the program is doable and enjoyable, helping participants stay active and improve their health and well-being. The study is a single arm pre/post feasibility trial lasting up to 1 year, involving 40 pairs of participants and their study partners (80 people total). The Green Activity Program includes a 12-week intervention with 4-8 virtual or phone coaching sessions focused on evaluation, goal-setting, strategy training, and outdoor activity planning. Outdoor activity professionals also participate, receiving training and conducting site evaluations. Feedback is collected through surveys, phone interviews, and informal conversations to refine the program. Participants and their partners will complete assessments before, during, and after the 12-week program, including physical activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, cognitive function tests, and questionnaires on health, well-being, social participation, depression, and sleep. Follow-up interviews occur up to one month post-intervention to evaluate sustained behavior change and program acceptability. The total participation time can last up to one year, with detailed monitoring and evaluation throughout.

Researchers are evaluating the safety of LY3954068 in people with early symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease. This study also examines how much of the drug enters the bloodstream and its effects on Alzheimer's 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 Alzheimer's 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.

Researchers are investigating how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, affects working memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to cognitively healthy older adults. This mechanistic study aims to understand the brain and cognitive function changes caused by a single session of tDCS. The study uses advanced brain imaging and machine learning to analyze the effects of stimulation on brain structure and working memory performance during specific tasks. Participants will receive either active or sham tDCS using a neuroConn MR-safe device that delivers 2.0 mA current through electrodes placed on the scalp over frontal brain regions. Active stimulation lasts 12 minutes with gradual ramp-up and ramp-down, while sham stimulation mimics the sensation but only delivers current for 30 seconds. Each participant completes three runs of an N-back working memory task before, during, and after stimulation. The study uses a randomized, double-blind, crossover design with at least two weeks between sessions. Throughout the study, participants undergo cognitive testing and brain MRI scans to measure working memory accuracy and brain connectivity changes. The main outcome is working memory performance on the 2-back task comparing active versus sham stimulation. Researchers will also monitor safety and participant ability to perform the tasks and tolerate stimulation. The total participation period includes multiple sessions spaced to allow for washout and evaluation of stimulation effects, with the study concluding by late 2029.