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Research is a chief mission of the Penn Memory Center. We offer a wide range of studies for older adults with memory problems and those with normal cognition. These include:
ADC Longitudinal Research Study
NACC (pronounced 'nack')
The largest, most comprehensive longitudinal (conducted over time) research effort in the US aimed at better understanding AD, MCI, and lifelong brain health.
Those with normal memory and thinking, MCI, or early to moderate AD may be eligible. One visit, running 2-3 hours, annually.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
Diagnostic Studies
This research tests new ways to diagnose and understand Alzheimer's disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) earlier and better. Using innovative types of brain imaging, brain stimulation, EEG, or tests of blood and cerebrospinal fluid, diagnostic studies seek to precisely pinpoint changes in the brain that cause problems with memory and thinking.
Open Diagnostic Studies currently include the following
ADNI 2
A continuation of ADNI (pronounced ADD-Nee), a massive multi-site, longitudinal (conducted over time) study of clinical, imaging, genetic, biospecimen, and biomarker data begun in 2004.
Those with normal memory and thinking, MCI, or early to moderate AD may be eligible. Total of 8 visits over 54 months.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
ADvance
The ADvance study is a Phase II study testing the safety, tolerability, and cognitive effects of a surgically implanted neurostimulation device.
Individuals 55-80 years of age with a diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's disease may be eligible. The study includes one baseline visit, one surgical implant visit, one surgical follow-up visit, and 8 study visits.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
BMS-Tau
This Phase 1 study uses infusions of the drug BMS-Tau to determine its safety, tolerability, and effects on tau.
Those with mild Alzheimer's disease may be eligible. The study consists of one baseline visit plus nine infusion visits, which occur once per week for nine consecutive weeks.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
COGNISION
This study evaluates if a portable noninvasive test (an EEG) using the COGNISION™ software system can help diagnose early Alzheimer's disease, and also differentiate it from normal aging.
Those with normal memory and thinking, or early to moderate AD may be eligible. Total of 1 or 2 visits over several weeks.
FOR PARTICIPANTS WITH AD: Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
EMMI
A study of recollection and familiarity in amnestic MCI, using computer tests of memory and thinking, EEG, and MRI.
Those with normal memory and thinking, or amnestic-MCI may be eligible. Total of 2 or 3 visits over several weeks, with a follow-up visit one year later.
Download a one-page overview of this study, including contact information
Metformin
This is a Phase II study that examines the cognitive effects of the diabetes drug Metformin on non-diabetic individuals.
Those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or early Alzheimer's disease may be eligible. The study consists of one baseline visit, five in-clinic visits (one per month for five consecutive months), and twelve weekly phone calls.
Download a one-page overview of the study including contact information
NIB-TEND
This study analyzes data obtained from MRIs, and from biological sources such as samples of cerebrospinal fluid and blood, aiming to detect the smallest changes in the brain that occur when diseases such as Alzheimer's are in their very earliest stage, before any symptoms appear.
Those aged 55-89 with normal memory and thinking, or who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be eligible. Total of up to 5 visits over approximately one year.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
Pfizer ASL
Examines the effects of Aricept on brain activity and memory improvement over one week of taking the drug, using cognitive tests and MRI.
Those with MCI or early to moderate AD may be eligible. Total of 3 visits over about 2 weeks.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
Interview Studies
The scope of this research ranges from a single session to multi-year efforts. These studies examine areas of interest such as the relationship between early life stress and late-life cognition; how awareness of genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may affect quality of life, and various other cognition in aging-related topics.
Open Interview Studies currently include the following
Quality of Life
Eventually, everyone experiences some degree of age-related changes in memory and thinking. How does personal awareness of these changes relate to overall quality of life?
Those with normal memory and thinking, MCI, or early to moderate AD may be eligible. Requires two 60-90 minute interviews, conducted several weeks apart; repeated one year later.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
Resilience
This study seeks information on how elders experience and have experienced stress, and the ways stress affects memory, thinking, brain resiliency, and overall brain aging.
Those with normal memory and thinking, MCI, or early to moderate AD may be eligible. Requires one 3-hour session of testing and questionnaires per year, for a total of three years.
Download a one-page overview of this study including contact information
