Participate
The success of finding new treatments in dementia depends on having volunteers to participate.
For more information on how to participate in research offered at the center, please see below. To get started, please complete our Initial Inquiry Form or call Kate Hanson at 734-936-8332.
View the PDF version of Current Studies.
Our main Center longitudinal study investigates changes in cognitive functioning over time to
learn more about normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We are looking for adults with
or without cognitive changes over the age of 55. Must be able and willing to undergo MRI.
Contact:
Holly Bunker
[email protected]
734-615-5319
Locations: Ann Arbor or Detroit
This trial is researching the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication in people who might be at increased risk for developing memory loss associated with AD. The study is looking for participants age 55-80 years old, who have generally normal memory function, and are not being treated for memory problems. For individuals age 55-64, an additional risk factor is required, such as a parent/sibling with AD or previous biomarker testing showing increased risk for developing AD.
Contact: Bekkie Wang
[email protected]
734-647-7571
Location: Ann Arbor
Research study comparing two different types of group wellness classes for individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRD) and their support persons. The study team is looking to recruit participants 50 or older with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and a caregiver over the age of 18.
Contact: Mateo Lopez
[email protected]
734-936-7758
Locations: Ann Arbor, Detroit, or Virtual
This study compares brain activity seen using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) with brain activity seen using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and compares brain activity seen with these two types of imaging across people with different diagnoses. The goal is to learn more about the types of imaging used to look at changes in the brain that lead to cognitive change. The study is looking for adults aged 50 and older, with normal cognition, AD or a related dementia.
Contact Kayla Rinna
[email protected]
734-936-7739
Location: Ann Arbor
This study is looking to understand how vascular changes in later life cause brain injury and
cognitive decline. Participants must be part of (or willing to be part of) the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project in addition to this study. The study team is looking for African American adults 65-90 years old with either normal cognition and memory concerns or a diagnosis of MCI to participate.
Contact: Danielle Davis
[email protected]
734-615-8378
Location: Ann Arbor or Detroit
This study seeks to learn whether certain driving behaviors in day-to-day life or in the laboratory can differentiate individuals who are cognitively healthy and those who have cognitive difficulties. The study team is recruiting individuals ages 65 and older who are either cognitively healthy or have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment, have a valid driver’s license, drive at least twice per week, and drive a car that is model year 1996 or newer. Driving data is kept confidential and is used for research purposes only.
Contact: The study team
[email protected]
734-232-0128
Location: Ann Arbor or Dearborn
This study tests the utility of electroencephalographic (EEG) and computerized testing in identifying the first signs of dementia in at-risk African Americans. Participants must be part of (or willing to be part of) the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) in addition to this study. The study is looking for cognitively normal adults age 65 or older with memory concerns.
Contact: The ELECTRA study team
[email protected]
313-577-1692
Location: Ann Arbor or Detroit
This study aims to evaluate frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) patients and asymptomatic family members of FTLD patients, characterizing the cohorts longitudinally and informing clinical trial design. The study is looking for adults age 18 or older with a diagnosis of FTLD or with normal cognition who have a family member with FTLD.
Contact: Kiren Chaudhry
[email protected]
734-615-3593
Location: Ann Arbor
This is a longitudinal research project investigating how the brain changes with age, how those changes relate to cognitive function, and what might cause those changes. The study is looking for healthy, cognitively intact adults, age 65 and older with normal or corrected-to-normal hearing, vision and motor control to complete 3 in-person sessions which include cognitive (thinking) tests and 2 MRI brain scans.
Contact: Esther Kim
[email protected]
734-763-0343
Location: Ann Arbor
This study evaluates the use of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) and cognitive rehabilitation to improve cognitive abilities in those living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) or posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). The study is looking for adults with PPA or PCA over the age of 50.
Contact: Kayla Rinna
[email protected]
734-936-7739
Location: Ann Arbor
The goal of this study is to learn more about the daily experiences and sleep patterns of Black care partners and people living with dementia. This study is recruiting care partners age 18+ currently residing in Michigan who identify as Black or African American and the people living with symptoms of dementia (with or without a diagnosis) they reside with and support.
Contact Charity Garner
[email protected]
734-232-0532
Location: Phone
The goal of this study is to learn more about the daily experiences and sleep patterns of couples living with dementia, along with how these factors influence well-being and brain health over time. This study is recruiting couple currently residing in Michigan who are age 60 or older with one partner living with symptoms of dementia (with or without a diagnosis).
Contact: Charity Garner
[email protected]
734-232-0532
Location: Phone
This study examines the use of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) as a potential treatment for cognitive challenges in those living with Lewy body dementia (LBD). The study is looking for adults diagnosed with LBD who are over the age of 50.
Contact: Jaimie Barr
[email protected]
734-998-6894
Location: Ann Arbor
This study investigates the potential benefits of varying doses of non-invasive electrical brain
stimulation combined with cognitive rehabilitation. The study is looking for adults with MCI or AD over the age of 50.
Contact Stephen Schlaefflin
[email protected]
734-936-7360
Location: Ann Arbor or Detroit
“SuperAgers” are adults over age 80 with the memory ability of individuals 3 decades younger. The SuperAging Research Initiative studies these cognitively healthy adults to identify protective factors that contribute to such remarkable memory performance, including cognitive, lifestyle, genetic, and brain factors. The study is recruiting individuals age 80 and older who are cognitively healthy, fluent in English, and willing to participate in a longitudinal study (visits every 2 years as able).
Contact Gabrielle Lincoln
[email protected]
734-764-6157
Location: Ann Arbor or Detroit
This research study is using a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. The study aims to use TMS to learn more about measures of the ability of the brain to adapt or change. The study team is looking for adults 50 and older with normal cognition, MCI, AD, FTD, PDD, and other related dementias.
Contact: Charlene Garcia
[email protected]
734-764-0251
Location: Ann Arbor
This research study is investigating the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in
persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). One group will undergo a memory enhancement
protocol, used to improve memory functioning in individuals with MCI, while the other group will serve as a control group and complete memory exercises with the researcher. The study team is looking for individuals aged 60 or older with a clinical or research diagnosis of MCI to participate.
Contact: Mateo Lopez
[email protected]
734-936-7758
Location: Ann Arbor
This study is investigating how the amount/loss of the brain chemical messenger acetylcholine is related to balance, gait, or cognitive problems in PD/PSP/AD patients. To determine this, the study team will use a brain imaging technique called positron emission tomography, or PET, and an MRI. Participants will undergo clinical exams and motor and thinking tests (interactive and paper/pencil tasks). The study team is looking for participants with PD, PSP, or AD over the age of 45 to participate.
Contact: Fotini Michalakis
[email protected]
734-998-4790
Location: Ann Arbor
This study will evaluate α-synuclein, the protein involved in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and related disorders, in patients with suspected Alzheimer’s Disease and DLB . Using a simple
diagnostic test will improve clinical accuracy in diagnosing, earlier diagnosis, and distinguish
between neurodegenerative diseases. The study team is looking for participants 50-85 years old with mild cognitive impairment or DLB.
Contact: Abbey Biddix
[email protected]
734-936-5366
Location: Ann Arbor
This study evaluates the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve
speech/language abilities in those living with Primary Progressive Aphasia or Primary Progressive Apraxia of speech. The study is looking for adults with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) or Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAOS) over the age of 50.
Contact: Stephen Schlaefflin
[email protected]
734-936-7360
Contact: Dr. Tanav Popli
[email protected]
Location: Ann Arbor
This study investigates the effects of cognitive training as a possible method for improving
cognition. The study is looking for adults age 60 and older without any cognitive complaints or with mild cognitive impairment for training. Sessions may involve magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the participant’s brain which uses magnetic fields.
Contact: Nayiri Sagherian
[email protected]
734-647-3704
Location: Virtual or Ann Arbor
This study is looking to develop new surveys to capture and characterize the most important
aspects of the caregiving experience in “non-traditional” caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s
disease and related dementias (ADRD). The study team is looking for participants 18 and older
who have an existing relationship with someone living with ADRD and who provide physical
assistance, emotional support, and/or financial assistance to this person.
Contact: Study team
[email protected]
734-764-0644
Location: Remote
The APT Webstudy is an online memory and thinking research tool aimed at accelerating
enrollment into AD clinical trials by identifying and tracking individuals who may be at higher risk for developing AD. The study is looking for adults over age 50. Visit www.aptwebstudy.org/welcome for more information about the study.
Contact: Study team
[email protected]
858-877-3135
Location: Virtual
The Siblings Caring for Parents with Dementia Study is recruiting adult children providing care to an older parent with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia to discuss their unique experiences. Participants will engage in a conversation using Zoom, complete 3 online surveys and self-collect hair and saliva samples. The study is recruiting two adult children (over age 18) in the same family who are caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia to participate.
Contact: Megan Gilligan
[email protected]
515-294-5074
Location: Virtual
The CoIntegrate study aims to explore both the feasibility and effectiveness of using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy as a treatment option for individuals experiencing mild cognitive difficulties. The study will assess whether it is practical and achievable to implement these therapies in a real-world setting. Over the course of 8 weeks, participants engage in therapy sessions conducted via Zoom, where they receive either the CoIntegrate therapy sessions or traditional psychotherapy sessions. The study team is looking for individuals with mild cognitive impairment over the age of 50 to participate.
Contact: Zee Petrie
[email protected]
734-764-5249
Location: Virtual
The SWELCare study focuses on the daily experiences, well-being, and cardiovascular health of individuals living with a family member or friend who is experiencing cognitive decline. The study team is looking for caregivers and persons with cognitive decline over the age of 18 to participate. No formal diagnosis of dementia is required.
Contact: Akari Oya
[email protected]
734-936-7489
Location: Virtual or phone
The Wellness, Hypertension, Information Sharing, Self-Management, Education (WHISE) study is an app-based study looking to understand how social factors and eating patterns are related to blood pressure management. The study team is looking for African American women living in the metro-Detroit area between the ages of 18 and 65 who have been diagnosed with hypertension by a health care provider. The study requires the use of a personal smartphone and willingness to download the WHISE app.
Contact: Lenette Jones
[email protected]
Location: Virtual
