Research Resources

Clinical Trials

To learn more about studies under way or to find out when new studies are added, visit www.utsouthwestern.edu/adc. You can also call the UT Southwestern Memory Research Unit at 214-648-9376 or send an e-mail to adc@utsouthwestern.edu.

Dr. Mary Quiceno meets with patient Dewayne Nash, MD who is taking part in a clincial trial conducted by the Memory Research Clinic at UT Southwestern.

Cognitive Training for Mild Memory Complaints

People 60 or older who are in over­all good health but noticing more “senior moments” or have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment are needed for a study evaluating the effects of cognitive training on brain function. A short cognitive screening will be given to determine eligibility for the study. Those who qualify will receive eight cognitive training sessions, study-re­lated assessments, an electroenceph­alogram to measure brain waves, and follow-up testing.

Call Kristin Martin-Cook, 214-648-9368, or Audette Rackley, 214-905-3007.

Davunetide

Participants with progressive su­pranuclear palsy are needed for a study on davunetide. If accepted, they will receive placebo or davu­netide nasal spray twice a day for 52 weeks. Participants must be 41 to 85 years old; be able to tolerate mag­netic resonance imaging and lumbar punctures; be able to ambulate independently or with limited as­sistance; have a caregiver willing to attend all study visits and monitor study medication dosing; and have a 12-month history of postural instability or falls. No memory medications are allowed.

Call Jackie Rabb, 214-648-9376.

Exercise Study

People with mild cognitive impair­ment who do not currently adhere to a regular fitness program are sought for a one-year study that will compare individually tailored, supervised aerobic exercise training with flexibility and stretching training. The study will investigate the effects of exercise on cognitive and cardiovascular health as well as changes in proteins known to damage and/or protect the brain.

Call Kristin Martin-Cook, 214-648-9368, or Estee Brunk, 214-345-4665.

Observational and Biomarker Development Studies

While these studies do not require or offer a new treatment, they are the foundation for future research and therapeutic trials

ADNI 2 (Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative - Phase 2)

This study builds on the first ADNI studies and will enroll people ages 55 to 90 with no memory problems, mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), traditional glucose-based positron emission tomography (PET), new amyloid PET scan­ning to investigate the formation of beta-amyloid plaque formation, and standard neuropsychological and neurological exams. Partici­pants will be compensated for their time and participation.

Call Kristin Martin-Cook, 214-648-9368.

ERK AD-Index Study

People 50 and older with memory loss or depression, or who have experienced other cognitive decline or impairment, are being sought for a study of the ERK AD-Index, a test that could aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in the future. Participants must be available for a one-hour visit that involves consent, medical history, sampling of blood and a skin biopsy, and must agree to a brain autopsy with results contrib­uting to the study. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Call Kathy Koch, 214-648-9343.

CORE and TARC Research Studies

People with mild cognitive impair­ment, early Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia are needed for observational studies. The stud­ies usually involve one visit a year for neuropsychological testing, neu­rological exams, brain imaging and blood sampling. The data collected from these visits are used by many investigators studying the aging brain and disorders of cognitive function. These visits often involve financial compensation.

Call Jackie Rabb, 214-648-9376, or Kristin Martin-Cook, 214-648-9368.

Teleneurology

People with dementia are needed to participate in a videoconferencing study. Two neurological examina­tions will be performed by a physi­cian, once in person and once via TV screen. This research may help bring new diagnostic services to rural and underserved populations and aid in the development of new examination procedures for patients who need to be seen by a neurolo­gist but cannot visit a doctor’s office due to illness or distance.

Call Mari “Ife” Madhi, 214-648-0315.