Active Projects

Overview

PCA is a condition that is most often caused by Alzheimer’s Disease. People with PCA often have normal vision but have increased difficulty making sense of what they see as the disease spreads through the brain. Examples of this impairment include difficulty locating objects in cluttered spaces or traveling from one location to another. Findings from recent research studies suggest that there are certain parts of the brain that are affected early in the course of PCA. Treatments targeting these areas may be able to improve functioning in everyday life. 

We are testing this possibility by providing brain stimulation for those with PCA using High Definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS). We will try to make the brain stimulation “fit” your individual needs. We do this by using your brain imaging scan to decide where to place electrodes on your head. We hope this “personalized” approach improves the brain stimulation effects. 

Depending on options chosen, you would complete as few as 8 and up to 139 study visits that may include memory/thinking testing, MRI (optional), blood draws, visual assessments with eye tracking, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), immersive virtual reality (iVR), an optional PET/CT scan, and HD-tDCS sessions; many stimulation visits can be completed from home with a trained study partner. The study begins with four consecutive HD-tDCS sessions (e.g., Monday–Thursday) in which you are randomly assigned (like a coin flip) to receive real or sham (“fake”) stimulation; neither you nor the study team will know group assignment during this initial phase (double-blind). Each HD-tDCS visit lasts about two hours and includes 40 minutes of stimulation delivered in two 20-minute blocks separated by a rest period, and including visual/thinking activities. After the initial 4-day phase (and follow-up testing/imaging), you have the option to continue in the study and receive additional, real HD-tDCS for up to 26 weeks, typically ~3 sessions per week (up to 5/week), done in-office or via secure, live-supervised home sessions with a trained study partner. People completing only the early visits usually finish in ~2 months; those opting into extended HD-tDCS are typically involved for up to ~8 months total. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Age 50 or older

• Stable on all medications for at least 4 weeks prior to participation 

• MRI-safe (if undergoing MRI) 

• English speaking (as the preferred language) 

Exclusionary Criteria

• Significant history of certain severe psychiatric conditions (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) 

• Significant history of (or current) drug or alcohol use/dependence 

How to Participate

If you are interested in participation, or have questions regarding how to participate, contact: 

Study Coordinator: Eileen Robinson

Telephone: (734) 763-1356 

Email: robinsoe@med.umich.edu

Overview 

The Wellness Study is a project comparing the effects of two types of group wellness classes for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and their support persons. This study includes a minimum of 16 visits at the University of Michigan involving an in-person screening, cognitive testing, surveys, and a 12-week group wellness class. Additionally, there are optional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans that the individual with ADRD can complete. 

Eligibility Criteria 

• Adults age 55+ with a support person age 18+ 

• Diagnosis of ADRD (clinical or research) 

• English speaking (as the preferred language) 

Exclusionary Criteria 

• History of other significant neurological conditions (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease) 

• Unstable or uncontrolled seizures 

• History of hospitalization for psychiatric conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) within three months prior to participation 

• History of (or current) drug or alcohol abuse/dependence 

How to Participate 

If you are interested in participation, or have questions regarding how to participate, contact: 

Emily Mills, B.A. 

Telephone: (734) 936-9734

Email: rpcnbi-wellness-study@med.umich.edu

You can read more about the Wellness Study on the US Clinical Trials website (link - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05048966?term=NCT05048966&draw=2&rank=1)  

Overview 

The modified Story and Memory Technique (mSMT) Study is a project that aims to investigate the effectiveness of a memory enhancement technique in persons with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and to understand how well this technique may help people with MCI improve their memory and ability to function in everyday life. This study takes 18 months to fully complete and includes a minimum of 15 visits at the University of Michigan involving an in-person screening, cognitive testing, surveys, and two intervention sessions per week for 5 weeks. Additionally, there are 2 optional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans that eligible participants can complete.

Eligibility Criteria 

• Adults age 60 or older 

• Difficulties with learning and memory skills and diagnosis of MCI (clinical or research) 

• English speaking (as the preferred language) 

Exclusionary Criteria 

• History of other significant neurological conditions (e.g., moderate to severe TBI, multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease) 

• History of hospitalization for psychiatric conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) 

• History of (or current) drug or alcohol abuse/dependence 

How to Participate 

If you are interested in participation, or have questions regarding how to participate, contact: 

Risto Crouse, B.S. 

Telephone: (734) 764-6447

Email: rpcnbi-mSMT@med.umich.edu 

Overview

The Michigan Neural Distinctiveness (MiND) project investigates how the brain changes with age and neuropathology, how those changes relate to cognitive function, and what might cause those changes. The study includes 3 visits at the University of Michigan involving cognitive testing, surveys, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). We are recruiting older adults both with and without cognitive changes such as mild cognitive impairment. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Adults age 65+

• Native English speaker (i.e. your first language is English)

• Right-handed

• fMRI compatible

Exclusionary Criteria

• History of severe psychiatric conditions (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.)

• History of other neurological conditions (epilepsy, stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc.)

• Sensory impairments that limit the ability to see or hear

• History of (or current) drug or alcohol abuse/dependence

How to Participate

If you are interested in participation, or have questions regarding how to participate, contact:

Ethan Maddox

Telephone: (734) 763-0343

Email: mindstudy@umich.edu