Purpose

This study will test whether serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), other biological markers, and clinical and neuropsychological assessment can be combined to measure the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The information obtained by studying changes in the brain images of MCI and AD patients and healthy individuals, as well as other assessment tools, will be used to determine the best methods for measuring treatment effects in patients with MCI and AD.

Type of Study: Observational Type
Setting of Study: outpatient
Clinical Trials.gov number: 
Providing Clinical Treatment?: No

Study Activities

Filling Out Forms
Blood Samples
Blood Samples for DNA
PET Scan
MRI Scan
Provides Payment: Reimbursement for transportation
Provides Payment: Compensation for study related procedures

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study: 55 Years - 90 Years
Genders Eligible for Study: Both
This study is not recruiting Healthy Volunteers.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
* People with mild memory complaints or those diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease
* Between 55 and 90 years of age
* Study partner or caregiver who can accompany patient to scheduled visits
* Fluent in English or Spanish
* Permitted medications stable for at least 4 weeks prior to screening
* Adequate visual and auditory acuity to allow neuropsychological testing
* Good general health with no additional diseases expected to interfere with the study
* Women must be two years post-menopausal or surgically sterile
* Willing and able to complete all baseline assessments and to participate in the 2-3 year protocol
* Willing to undergo neuroimaging and provide DNA and plasma samples as specified
* Completed at least 6 grades of education or sufficient work history to exclude mental retardation

Location: Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center 630 West 168th Street New York, NY 10032
Clinic: Memory Disorders Clinic
Division: Neuroscience

Study chairs or principal investigators:
Yaakov Stern Ph.D., Principal Investigator

Co-investigators:
Dr. Lawrence Honig,
Dr. Karen Bell,
Dr. Nikolaos Scarmeas,