How to Participate in Research: Steps 1, 2, 3

UW ADRC scientists want to learn more about the diseases that cause memory loss and dementia. Our center is looking for a variety of people who are willing to partner with us in Alzheimer's research. We think of study participants as our partners in the effort to find a prevention for neurological conditions that lead to dementia. New opportunities for clinical trials and research studies appear over time, and these may involve different groups of patients. This webpage explains how you can learn more about participating in clinical trials or research studies at the ADRC.

We welcome you to explore the list of enrolling clinical trials and research studies through the below pages. Each trial and study description includes the study coordinator to contact directly.

Do you want our help in identifying which studies might be a good fit for you? Please call 206-616-3973 or email us at uwadrc@uw.edu and leave us a message with your name and phone number along with information about your interests. 

A staff member will get back to you within several weeks to walk you through some pre-screening questions over the phone.

Check out the following online resources to learn more:

 

 

 

Enrolling Clinical Trials and Research Studies

 

Clinical Trials: Experimental Medications and Devices

Explore the currently enrolling clinical (drug and device) trials at the UW ADRC for the following medical conditions/populations:

Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease / No Cognitive Concerns

Mild Cognitive Impairment/Early Alzheimer’s Disease

This research study looks at the effect of neurostimulation on memory decline in patients with early onset Alzheimer's  disease and dementia to help us better understand memory deterioration and how to potentially reduce it.  The study will  use a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation that uses magnetic fields to stimulate targeted parts of the brain from the outside.

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Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

The University of Washington is conducting a study to better understand visual hallucinatory phenomena (VHP) in people with Lewy Body Disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. We want to investigate whether virtual reality (VR) devices can be used to assess the tendency of people with these disorders to have VHPs. We hope to develop a way to quantify these experiences more objectively to better guide treatment and to develop a means of treating VHP without medications.

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Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)

If you are interested in opportunities for individuals at risk for FTD, learn about the longitudinal research cohort ALLFTD

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Research Studies: Observational and Lifestyle Intervention Studies

Explore the currently enrolling research studies (observational and lifestyle intervention) at the UW ADRC:

The UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) is part of a nationwide network of research centers funded by the National Institute on Aging.  We are exploring innovative approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention by partnering with people who have normal memory and thinking and those who have memory concerns or are living with dementia. We are looking for volunteers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and ages who are willing to participate in research.  It is important to study a diverse group of people so that the information we learn will benefit everyone.

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ALLFTD is a comprehensive study targeting most varieties of neurodegenerative diseases that cause frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The overall goal of ALLFTD is to prepare for treatment trials by characterizing sporadic and familial cases of FTD and identifying clinical measures and biomarkers for following patients in clinical trials. Eligible populations: frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and individuals with family history of FTD.

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This study at the UW Integrated Brain Imaging Center uses brain imaging to understand the changes in the brain that may be responsible for memory problems in old age and associated disorders. Eligible populations: mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease.

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Puede ayudarnos a comprender la experiencia de los adultos mayores latinos/e/a/x/hispanos de habla hispana y sus familias para que podamos mejorar la atención y el apoyo que se les brinda.

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You can help us understand the experience of Spanish-speaking Latino/e/a/x/Hispanic older adults and their families so we can improve the care and support provided to them.

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The Lipid MRI Study is enrolling people for a NIH-funded study to test how two simple nutrients, sugar and fat, can affect your memory, brain (via MRI Scan) and blood biomarkers. The Lipid MRI study involves non-invasive MRI imaging to see how a risk gene for Alzheimer’s disease, APOE4, affects brain blood flow after a high fat drink. With this study, we hope to understand what parts of the brain are most affected by a high fat meal. Eligible populations: Normal Cognition, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer's disease.

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The purpose of the SPEAC Lab study is to hear about communication between people concerned about or diagnosed with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their family members and/or friends. Your participation will help healthcare providers support others with communication disorders and the important people in their lives to stay connected through communication. Eligible populations: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease, Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Dementia with Lewy Bodies.

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Las hiperintensidades de la materia blanca son manchas brillantes que sólo podemos ver cuando tomamos fotografías del cerebro mediante una resonancia magnética. Suelen encontrarse en personas con la enfermedad de Alzheimer y trastornos relacionados. Nuestro estudio está comprometido con el avance de la investigación sobre la enfermedad de Alzheimer mediante el desarrollo de nuevas técnicas de imágenes por resonancia magnética.

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Studies for Caregivers / Carepartners

You can help us understand the experience of Spanish-speaking Latino/e/a/x/Hispanic older adults and their families so we can improve the care and support provided to them.

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Puede ayudarnos a comprender la experiencia de los adultos mayores latinos/e/a/x/hispanos de habla hispana y sus familias para que podamos mejorar la atención y el apoyo que se les brinda.

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The University of Washington SPEAC Lab is inviting the family and friends of people with dementia to answer survey questions about their communication experiences.  Your participation will help healthcare providers support others with communication disorders and the important people in their lives to stay connected through communication. Eligible populations: family and friends of people with dementia

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Studies Enrolling Spanish Speakers

Oportunidades de Investigación 

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View studies enrolling at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System

The listed VA studies are led by UW ADRC-associated researchers.