Observational Studies
ALLFTD
Study Title: ARTFL-LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration
Purpose
ALLFTD (ARTFL-LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration) is a multicenter study aimed at clarifying the changes in brain function that result from Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD) syndromes. This study is an extension of two earlier projects, now combined into the largest study on these disorders in the U.S. The purpose of ALLFTD is to understand brain syndromes associated with the deposition of certain abnormal proteins in the frontal lobes and related structures. These syndromes include behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia, primary progressive aphasia, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal syndrome. All persons with these syndromes are eligible for participation in this study. ALLFTD is composed of two parts. The first and main part is a longitudinal evaluation of the brain changes associated with these FTLD syndromes. Participants undergo clinical and neurological examinations, blood studies, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The main evaluation is at the beginning with yearly visits thereafter. The second is a biofluid study that involves a one-time visit for measuring biomarkers in blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Ultimately, ALLFTD hopes to understand the FTLD syndromes sufficiently to lead to drug trials and other interventions.
More information on ALLFTD is available at https://www.allftd.org/sites.
(PI: Mario Mendez, MD, PhD)
Contact: Nixa Starr by email at NStarr@mednet.ucla.edu or Diana Chavez at dianachavez@mednet.ucla.edu to participate or for more information.
BrightFocus Neuroimaging in Aging
Study Title: BrightFocus Neuroimaging in Aging Study
Purpose
The Neuroscience of Memory, Mood, & Aging Lab at UCLA is seeking healthy older adults ages 55 and older to undergo cognitive testing, which involves computerized tasks, questionnaires, paper and pencil tasks of cognition (attention, memory, processing speed, etc.), a one-hour MRI scan, saliva sample for genetic testing, and two PET imaging scans (~2 hours each). Total duration of participation is ~6 hours.
- 55 years and older
- English or Spanish-speaking
- No major neurological conditions and MRI safe
- Involves three study visits to the Brain Mapping Center at UCLA
- Visit 1 includes MRI, cognitive testing, and saliva sample collection for genetic testing
- Visits 2 and 3 include amyloid and tau PET imaging
(PI: Stephanie Leal, PhD)
To learn more, please contact The Neuroscience of Memory Mood and Aging Lab (Study Coordinator is Michele Medina) at UCLA by email at lealmemorylab@ucla.edu or by phone at (310) 267-5607.
Dementia Research Focus Group
Study Title: The Harbor-UCLA and UCLA Medical Center Research Focus Group Study
Purpose
The Harbor-UCLA and UCLA Medical Center Research Focus Group Study is a focus group study for participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), an AD related dementia (ADRD), or caregivers for someone with memory changes, mild cognitive impairment, or mild dementia. We are looking for people who are interested in participating in a focus group conversation with others that will take place in person in the Los Angeles area. Study procedures may include:
Answering questions about yourself, hearing your thoughts on research, and discussing different types of research.
- Duration: One-time participation, with 1 visit
- Requirements to participate in the study include:
- Diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/mild dementia as determined by the referring provider OR Caregiver of an individual with a dementia
- 18 years or older
- Able to attend a focus group for about 1.5 hours
- Speak and read English and/or Spanish
(PI: Timothy Chang, MD, PhD)
To learn more, please contact Ariadna Martinez at (310) 206-0468 or by email at adrceaston@mednet.ucla.edu.
Family History and Genetics
Study Title: The Family History and Genetic Risk Factors for Dementia Focus Group Study
Purpose
The Family History and Genetic Risk Factors for Dementia Focus Group study is a focus group study for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), an AD related dementia (ADRD), and caregivers of individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. We are looking for people who are interested in participating in a focus group conversation with others that will take place in person or remotely in the Los Angeles area. Study procedures may include: Answering questions about yourself and share your experiences and perspectives as part of a group conversation or interview.
- Individuals who identify as Latino/Hispanic, Black/African American, Asian American and Pacific Islander and American Indian and Alaska Native
- Individuals with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/mild dementia OR
- Caregiver of an individual with a dementia or
- 18 years or older
- Able to attend an in-person focus group for about 2 hours
(PI: Timothy Chang, MD, PhD)
To learn more, please contact Ariadna Martinez at (310) 206-0468 or by email at adrceaston@mednet.ucla.edu.
RADCO
Study Title: Resilience/Resistance Against Alzheimer’s Disease in Centenarians and Offspring (RADCO) Study
Purpose
We are partnering with Boston University to recruit centenarians (aged 100 or older) for a National Institute on Aging–funded study that examines why some individuals maintain strong memory and thinking abilities well into very old age. The goal of our study is to understand what helps certain centenarians stay mentally sharp, sometimes performing like people 30 years younger. By learning from these individuals, we hope to identify biological factors that may protect the brain from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Participants will be asked to complete some tests of their thinking, health, and movement to help us better understand brain health and aging. They will also be asked to provide a small blood sample to study factors in the blood that may contribute to healthy aging. As a thank you, participants will receive $100 for completing the study. What we learn may help guide future strategies to prevent or delay Alzheimer’s disease for others. If you know someone who is 100+ years old please encourage them to contact our research team to learn more about participating in this study.
(Investigators: Thomas T. Perls, MD, MPH; Stacy Andersen, PhD; Susan Bookheimer, PhD; Mirella Diaz-Santos, PHD)
Contact: Email agewell@bu.edu or call 1-888-333-6327 (press 8 for Spanish) to participate or for more information. If you would like to speak with the local team at UCLA first, contact Aisha Mohammed by email at elha@mednet.ucla.edu, or by phone at (310) 825-2600.