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 206-744-0588 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:
- FAQs About Clinical Studies | En español [NIH]
- Why Should I Participate in a Clinical Trial? [NIH]
- Explore Alzheimers.gov for facts you can trust!
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
The AHEAD Study is testing whether lecanemab can lower people’s risk of memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease. The study is evaluating the efficacy and safety of treatment with lecanemab in participants with preclinical Alzheimer's disease, as shown on a brain scan.
Mild Cognitive Impairment/Early Alzheimer’s Disease
The MAP study will determine whether metformin (Glucophage® XR), a medication used for diabetes treatment and prevention, can prevent a decline in memory and thinking abilities for people with mild memory problems.
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.
Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's Disease
- Please reach out to our team at 206-744-0588 or email us at uwadrc@uw.edu with any questions.
- You can also review the ADRC-affiliated clinical trials and studies currently enrolling at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.
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.
Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD)
If you are interested in opportunities for individuals at risk for FTD, learn about the longitudinal research cohort ALLFTD
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.
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.
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.
The purpose of the Decision-Making in Alzheimer’s Research (DMAR) project is to engage older adults with memory loss or dementia in decisions about their care through a survey tool to identify care preferences. Eligible populations: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Researchers at the University of Washington are developing a program to support family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. We are interested in speaking with Latinos that are caring for individuals experiencing behavior issues such as trying to leave the house, arguing, or refusing to bathe or get dressed.
Los investigadores de University of Washington están desarrollando un programa para apoyar a los familiares de personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer o demencia relacionada. Están interesados en hablar con latinos que cuidan a personas que experimentan problemas de comportamiento, como tratar de salir de la casa, discutir o negarse a bañarse o vestirse. La investigación es siempre voluntaria.
Los investigadores de University of Washington están desarrollando un programa para apoyar a los familiares de personas con enfermedad de Alzheimer o demencia relacionada. Están interesados en hablar con latinos que cuidan a personas que experimentan problemas de comportamiento, como tratar de salir de la casa, discutir o negarse a bañarse o vestirse. La investigación es siempre voluntaria.
View studies enrolling at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System
The listed VA studies are led by UW ADRC-associated researchers.