Clinical Trials at the CNADC
Volunteer for a Study

You must live in the Chicagoland area, or be willing to travel to Chicago, to participate in the majority of our studies.
Contact the Memory Research team at 312-695-2343 or email memoryresearch@northwestern.edu if you are interested in finding out more information about a study or to volunteer for any of the studies listed below.

CURRENT ONGOING STUDIES:

1. Exelon Patch for treatment in Alzheimer’s disease
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: RECRUITING
In 2007 the FDA approved the Exelon10cm2 Patch for treatment in Alzheimer’s disease. The Exelon Patch was found to be effective in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with mild to moderate symptoms. Now researchers are comparing the risk and benefit of the Exelon 10cm2 Patch to the experimental ExeloN 15cm2 Patch in people who have Alzheimer’s disease and show a decline in memory or thinking. Please contact us if you are between 50 and 85 and have a diagnosis of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s Disease.

2. Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Download PDF flyer of this study
STATUS: CLOSED
ADNI is a nationwide study to determine whether imaging of the brain (through MRI, PET or CAT scans) every six months can help predict and monitor the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to neuroimaging, the study will collect and test blood and, for some participants, cerebral spinal fluid to determine if biomarkers can predict and monitor the disease. This study is for individuals, age 55 or over, who are in good general health with no memory problems OR are in good general health but have memory problems or concerns OR have a diagnosis of early Alzheimer’s disease and are willing and able to undergo the test procedures.

3. Home-Based Assessments (HBA)
Download PDF flyer of this study
Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group
STATUS: RECRUITING
HBA is making an innovative attempt at improving the way we assess and diagnosis individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease with methods that can be done from home. Individuals with either mild cognitive impairments or no cognitive impairments are being invited to participate in this four-year long study. Participation requires an initial visit to our clinic for a brief physical and neurological assessment, cognitive testing, and a blood draw. Those enrolled in the study will be assigned to one of three assessment methods: computer kiosk, mail-in questionnaire, or an automated telephone voice system. They will also be given a daily multivitamin in order to track adherence to a study treatment. This study will result in more effective means of detecting dementia in hard to reach populations.

4. Reducing Amyloid in Alzheimer’s Disease
Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
STATUS: PENDING
Nearly 400 volunteers at 40 U.S. research sites will be enrolled in this study to evaluate the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of a novel pathway in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Receptor for Advanced Glycation Enpoints (RAGE) protein binds to the amyloid plaque deposits in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. RAGE has been linked to the promotion of inflammation and nerve cell damage. The study drug inhibits the RAGE protein. In this study, the experimental RAGE inhibitor will be compared to placebo. Each participant will be evaluated in the clinic 12 times over the course of 18 months.

5. The Utility of Namenda® in the Treatment of Frontotemporal Dementia
Download PDF flyer of this study
Sponsored by Forest Pharmaceuticals
STATUS: PENDING
Researchers are evaluating the use of memantine (Namenda®) in those with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Memantine is currently an FDA approved treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Evidence from studies of persons with Alzheimer’s disease suggests memantine may reduce damage to brain cells and therefore may also be effective in people with FTD. This study is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of memantine in FTD and to evaluate whether memantine will slow the rate of decline in thinking and in problem behaviors in FTD.

6. Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA/Fish Oil)
Sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group
STATUS: CLOSED
People with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s were recruited nationwide to participate in a trial for DHA. Evidence from prior studies has led researchers to believe that DHA may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Participants are receiving concentrated amounts of DHA over a period of 18 months. Biomarkers and cognitive testing outcomes will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of DHA in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Other Clinical Trial Resources

ADEAR Clinical Trials Database - The Alzheimer's Disease Education & Referral Center (ADEAR) clinical trials database provides detailed information - background, eligibility criteria, site listings, and references - on Alzheimer's disease research studies sponsored by the National Institute on Aging, other NIH institutes, private organizations, and industry.

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