Memory & Aging Project Adult Children Study
What is the Adult Children Study?
The Adult Children Study is a research study that is enrolling volunteers ages 45 to 74 in order to help detect the earliest signs or markers of dementing illnesses, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
How will this study help Alzheimer's disease research?
Research suggests there may be
changes occurring in the brain long
before the appearance of dementia.
Should truly effective treatments for
dementing illnesses become available,
their biggest effect may be in
preventing the occurrence of
dementia. However, we need tools to
identify asymptomatic individuals at
high risk for the disease to allow
potential treatments to have maximal
benefit. To work towards this goal, we
are asking you to consider volunteering
for this research study.
What criteria must a volunteer meet to be considered for this study?
The study consists of two general groups:
Participants with at least one biologic parent who developed dementia before the age of 80 (verified by review of the parent’s medical records)
Participants with both biologic parents having lived to age 70 or beyond without having developed dementia
Volunteers should:
be between the ages of 45 - 74
be in general good health
have someone who is willing to come with them during the clinical assessment to serve as a collateral source
be willing to commit to doing all study procedures and to ongoing participation. It is expected that study procedures will be repeated every 3 years.
What are volunteers asked to do for this study?
Clinical Assessment - This is a research interview of memory and physical health and requires another person who knows you well (such as a family member or close friend) to accompany you in order to answer some questions about you. Approx. 2.5 hours.
Genetics (Blood Draw) - Approximately 3 tablespoons of blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm.
Psychometric Testing - These are tests designed to measure different types of memory. Approx. 2 hours.
Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - A research MRI will be completed that focuses on measurements of various structures and regions of the brain. Approx. 1 hour.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) - A sample of 3 tablespoons of cerebrospinal fluid is collected from the lower back. A small blood sample is also obtained from a vein in your arm. This procedure is done by a trained neurologist. Approx. 2 hours.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) - PET is a research brain scan that studies brain activity using a low level of radiation. A special compound called a radiotracer is injected in a vein and allows specialized pictures of the brain to be taken. This type of study may allow the study of protein fragments that accumulate in brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Approx. 1.5 hours.
Memory Processing - Memory Processing includes tests of how a person is able to sort through all the information that bombards them on a daily basis and select what is most relevant to them. How individual variability and personality characteristics affect memory processing will be studied. Approx. 2 hours.
How often will I be seen for this study?
You and a person who knows you well
(a collateral source) will be asked to
come to the Memory and Aging
Project offices for evaluations of your
memory and thinking every 3 years
until you reach 65 years old. After
age 65, participants will be evaluated
on an annual basis.
Updates via a secure website or telephone will be completed during the years that you do not complete an in-office clinical assessment and psychometric testing.
If memory and thinking problems are detected during the course of your participation, you will be asked to come in for annual assessments.
You may also be contacted about participation in additional studies affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Memory and Aging Project
4488 Forest Park Ave. (at Taylor)
Two blocks east of Kingshighway
Click here to map driving directions from your house.
How can I get more information?
Contact the Study Coordinator at (314) 286-2683.
Where can I view and print copy of the ACS brochure?
