Other Study Opportunities at UK
We have many opportunities for our research volunteers to participate in affiliated studies that are moving the field ahead. Take a look below and see if you find an opportunity that is right for you.
Memory Scrapbooking as a Tool to Help Preserve your Memory
There may be no better way to preserve your memories than to start scrapbooking them today! This novel research study conducted by researchers in the Department of Gerontology is investigating if memory scrapbooking can help preserve memories in persons with early memory loss who have been given the diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Several interactive sessions are conducted to help you preserve and strengthen the memories that are most precious to you. We want you to carry your most precious thoughts in your mind and close to your heart forever. For more information call Sarah at (859) 323-1331.
Detection of Pre-Symptomatic Alzheimer's Disease by fMRI
Functional MRI allows researchers to see how different brain areas communicate with one another while performing a memory or thinking activity. Verbal memory decline is a major complaint in persons who may be at risk for more general memory decline. This research is designed to develop new methods of detecting early, preclinical AD, allowing earlier intervention and an increased chance to prolong or abort the future development of dementia. Potential subjects with previous stroke, metallic implants, or claustrophobia may not be acceptable enrollees in this study. For more information call Sarah at (859) 323-1331.
Alzheimer's Disease Detection Via Nonlinear Analysis of EEG
This study is being conducted in partnership with researchers from the Oakridge National Laboratory, TN. EEG is a routine medical tool that carries no adverse effects and may serve as one of the best diagnostic tools for detecting early memory and thinking changes. Subjects with normal memory and thinking, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are being recruited for this study. For more information or to enroll call Sarah at (859) 323-1331.
Neuroimaging Studies of Depression in Parkinson's Disease
Depression is often a part of the brain changes seen in Parkinson’s disease. This study uses functional MRI to study these changes.in persons with Parkinson’s disease and in normal aged volunteers. For more information call the Communications and Emotions Lab at (859) 257-9223 x2.
Biomarkers to Detect Early Alzheimer's Disease
We are working to develop a laboratory test that will detect Alzheimer’s disease even before the earliest signs are seen. Such a test is easily within our grasp, but relies on the collection of spinal fluid stocks that have traditionally been difficult to obtain because of misconceptions regarding the safety and tolerability of the spinal fluid collection procedure. Improvements in technique and instrumentation have made this a safe, quick (typically less than 15 minutes), and tolerable (equivalent to the discomfort of a standard blood draw in most cases) procedure. Please see our web video of Dr. Jicha donating his spinal fluid for the cause. Participation is only open to subjects who have had brain imaging within the last year. We are currently looking for willing participants who are normal, have mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease, or any related disorder. For more information or to enroll call Sarah at (859) 323-1331.
The Psychosocial Impact of Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease in the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Stage
We are recruiting Sanders-Brown Research Volunteer Normal Control Group program participants who have been diagnosed with MCI or early memory problems for a brief interview examining the impact of such a diagnosis on your lifestyle and well-being. The information obtained from this study will help our doctors and others around the globe approach these issues with you in a way that maximizes your benefit. For more information or to enroll, call Sarah at (859) 323-1331.
Training Medical Students to Deal with the Issues that Face You as You Age
We are recruiting Sanders-Brown Research Volunteer Normal Control Group program participants to help us train the next generation of medical doctors. If you have ever felt that your doctor did not understand the issues that face you, now is the time to make a difference for yourself and for the many thousands of elder patients these young student doctors will care for throughout their careers. This novel program allows you to choose between small and large group sessions exploring the issues you feel are most important to maintaining your quality of life. Make a difference now! For more information or to enroll, call Caitlin at (859) 257-8971.
Manual Dexterity as a Marker for Successful Brain Aging
We are recruiting Sanders-Brown Research Volunteer Normal Control Group program participants for a study of manual dexterity as a marker of overall brain health. If dexterity is related to brain health, we may be able to develop approaches to train dexterity and in doing so, improve your brain’s health. Participation requires only a single short visit while we measure your dexterity and manual agility (No retired magicians or card sharks please!) For more information or to enroll, call Sarah at (859) 323-1331.
For information on other ongoing or planned clinical trials in Alzheimer’s disease, please contact Sarah at (859) 323-1331.