Research Studies

To learn more about studies under way or to find out when new studies are added, visit www.utsouthwestern.edu/adc or call the UT Southwestern Memory Research Unit at 214-648-0563.

Study participants like Dr. Dewayne Nash (see video below) have found that being part of our clinical trials has helped him in ways he never expected.

Clinical Trials

IGIV (INTRAVENOUS IMMUNOGLOBULIN)
This 18-month study needs people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease between 55 and 89 years of age. The trial’s researchers will investigate the effectiveness of IGIV infusions in possibly stopping or reversing Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and receive infusions by IV (intravenous route) every two weeks for a total of 36 infusions, most of which will be done at home by a home health agency. Trial participation also requires that a study partner accompanies the subject for each visit. Call Kathy Koch at 214-648-9343 for more information.

EXERCISE
People with mild cognitive impairment who do not currently adhere to a regular fitness program are needed for a one-year study that will compare individually tailored, supervised aerobic exercise training with flexibility and stretching training. The trial researchers 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 Candace Hill, 214-345-4665 for information.

COGNITIVE TRAINING FOR MILD MEMORY COMPLAINTS
People aged 60 or older who are in overall good health but who are 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 brief 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. For more information, call Kristin Martin-Cook, 214-648-9368, or Audette Rackley, 214-905-3007.

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. At this point the study is enrolling people ages 55 to 90 who have memory complaints but are without impairment on cognitive testing. 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.

CORE AND TARCC 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 Sarah Hoefs, 214-648-0563.

LOAD (LATE-ONSET ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE GENETICS INITIATIVE)
The LOAD study originally began enrolling subjects in 2002, with over 500 subjects enrolled through UT Southwestern! A new grant based on previous findings from that study, is offering a phone follow-up contact for subjects from the first study as well as enrolling new subjects. The goal of this national study is to expand upon the scope of information/data gathered from subjects already enrolled in the first phase of LOAD as well as to enroll new large families (with three or more living siblings age 60 or older) diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The focus is to learn more about the genetic, environmental and health risks that may contribute to the development of AD. For all subjects previously enrolled in the LOAD study, the coordinator will call each person for phone follow-up only. New subjects from previously participating families who are now age 60 or older may also enroll in this study. Call Barb Davis, 214-648-9367.