Past Projects

Overview

Promoting Adaptive Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MERIT) examines the effects of two types of treatments for memory impairment in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a cognitive rehabilitation task involving new ways to learn and remember information and non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS). tDCS can enhance functioning in brain regions associated with memory decline, thereby reinforcing the benefits of memory rehabilitation strategies. The study includes 9 visits at the University of Michigan including cognitive testing, tDCS, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Eligibility Criteria

• Adults age 50+

• Right-handed

• Official diagnosis of MCI

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

• English speaking (as the preferred language)

• 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 use/dependence

You can read more about the Merit study on the U.S. Clinical Trials website.

Overview

Stimulation of Cingulo-Opercular Alertness Network (SCAN) examines the use of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) as a potential treatment for cognitive challenges in those suffering from Lewy Body Dementia. The study includes 12 visits at the University of Michigan including cognitive testing, tDCS, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Individuals with a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia

• 50-90 years of age

• Stable on doses of cholinesterase inhibitors (at least 4 weeks)

• Participants must be MRI compatible (via the American College of Radiology guideline), criteria that also apply for High Definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS; e.g., absence of metallic or electronic implants)

Exclusionary Criteria

• Participants who cannot receive MR imaging

• Participants who cannot receive tDCS (for example, but not limited to, those with a pacemaker)

• Evidence of large vessel stroke or mass lesion on MRI

• Use of anti-cholinergic or neuroleptic drugs

• Evidence of atypical parkinsonism on neurological exam

You can read more about the SCAN study on the U.S. Clinical Trials website. 

Overview

The Memory Training and Plasticity (WMtrain) study aims to to better understand the effects of cognitive training as a possible method for improving cognition. This study includes between 8 and 18 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

• 60+ years old

• Native English speaker

• Right-handed

Exclusionary Criteria

• Sensory impairments that limit the ability to see or hear

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

Overview

Stimulation to Improve Memory (STIM) assesses the effects of HD-tDCS on memory and thinking abilities in those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (DAT), with the aim of determining how much stimulation is necessary to enhance memory and thinking abilities, and which individuals would benefit most from this treatment. The study includes a minimum of 9 visits at the University of Michigan involving cognitive testing, HD-tDCS, functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. 

Eligibility Criteria

•  Adults age 55+

•  Memory concerns or official diagnosis of MCI or DAT  

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

•  English speaking (as the preferred language)

•  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:

Stephen Schlaefflin, B.S.

Telephone: (734) 936-7360

Email: schlst@med.umich.edu

To see the visit schedule click here. 

You can read more about the STIM study on the U.S. Clinical Trials website. 

Overview

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (TMS in ADRD) uses a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called TMS to examine measures of neuroplasticity specifically, in those with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The study will usually involve 1 to 3 visits. Participants may have memory tests, a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). The study enrolls adults over the age of 50 with and without cognitive conditions.  

Eligibility Criteria

• Age 50 or older

• If undergoing MRI, participants must be MRI compatible (via the American College of Radiology guidelines)

• Stable on relevant medications for at least 4 weeks prior to study enrollment

Exclusionary Criteria

You will be excluded if you: 

• Have sensory impairments that limit the ability to take part in the study

• Alcohol or drug abuse/dependence

• Have other factors, as determined by the Investigators and study team, that would impact the safety or scientific benefit of participation

• Are currently pregnant

How to Participate

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

Charlene Garcia, B.S.

Telephone: (734) 764-0251

Email: gacharle@med.umich.edu

Overview

Each individual presents with unique needs and deserves a research intervention that is tailored to these needs. Thus, the vision of PCN is to deliver personalized research-based, non-pharmacologic (i.e., non-medication based) interventions that target the primary needs of the patient and their family members. The study utilizes both tES and cognitive rehabilitation to accomplish this, with the goal to identify how best to use these methods (alone or in combination). 

Participants will undergo a neuropsychological evaluation that establishes cognitive strengths and weaknesses, as well as both structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to characterize and quantify measures of brain functioning. The combination of these findings allows us to select and/or optimize the research treatments based on the individual’s needs. The length and nature of treatment will vary by participant but it is estimated that an average of 30 sessions will be provided. We will ideally extend this duration as resources and participant interest allow, including establishing remote services via secure videoconferencing platforms.

PCN enrolls older adults with cognitive aging conditions, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or other neurodegenerative/neurological diseases. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Adults age 50+

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

• English speaking (as the preferred language)

• fMRI compatible

Exclusionary Criteria

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

• 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:

Karen Hernandez Reyes, B.S.

Telephone: (734) 936 - 0985

Email: karenihe@med.umich.edu

You can read more about the PCN study on the U.S. Clinical Trials website. 

Overview

Brain Behavior Characterization (BBC) addresses the RP-CNBI’s emphasis on improving early detection and characterization associated with brain injury / disease by using multiple methods to characterize participants with the fundamental goal of understanding the reason(s) for their cognitive impairment. This study integrates neuropsychological testing and both structural & functional neuroimaging to help understand the potential reason(s) for cognitive decline across the Alzheimer’s Disease / Alzheimer’s Disease-related dementia (AD/ADRD) spectrum. This multi-method characterization will yield important new information about the clinical manifestations of AD/ADRD and is designed to improve diagnostic efforts in those with AD/ADRD. 

This study includes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and neuropsychological testing. It focuses on those across the AD/ADRD spectrum, which ranges from cognitively intact adults to those in the moderate stage of dementia. Enrollment is open to both sexes and all racial/ethnic groups. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Age 50 or older

• If undergoing MRI, participants must be MRI compatible (via the American College of Radiology guidelines)

• Stable on relevant medications for approximately 4 weeks prior to study enrollment. We will record these medications for potential use as covariates and to explore potential synergistic effects

Exclusionary Criteria

• Sensory impairments that limit the ability to take part in the study 

• Current alcohol or drug abuse/dependence

• Pregnancy

• Other factors as determined by the PI and study team that would impact the safety or scientific benefit of participation

How to Participate

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

Karen Hernandez Reyes, B.S.

Telephone: (734) 936 - 0985

Email: karenihe@med.umich.edu

Overview

When dementia is caused by AD, we refer to it as dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT). The greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and DAT is advancing age, but DAT is not a normal part of aging. Studies have shown that changes in the brain happen before full symptoms of DAT develop. These changes include a buildup of two proteins within the brain, called amyloid and tau. STIM+: PET Biomarker Education & Disclosure (STIM+) aims to determine whether patients with mild cognitive impairment or dementia-Alzheimer's type (DAT) are able to demonstrate decisional capacity to engage in PET amyloid and tau disclosure after receiving education and assess how patients and care partners react to PET amyloid and tau biomarker disclosure. The study includes a minimum of one visit at the University of Michigan or via Zoom involving education about PET scans, AD, DAT, and learning the risks and benefits of one’s personal PET results. In an effort to reduce in-person contact during the COVID-19 pandemic, some research-related activities may take place at your home (telephone or video). 

Eligibility Criteria

• Adults age 55+

• Memory concerns or official diagnosis of MCI or DAT  

• English speaking (as the preferred language)

• Completion of a parent study in which the participant completed a PET scan with amyloid and/or tau tracer success.

• Demonstrates decision-making capacity to engage in PET disclosure, or has a care partner in attendance that demonstrates decision-making capacity for the participant to engage in disclosure

• If diagnosed with DAT: must have a cognitively intact study partner (i.e., their care partner)

• If diagnosed with MCI: strongly recommended to have a cognitively intact study partner (i.e., their care partner)

Exclusionary Criteria

• Active diagnosis of moderate depression or anxiety without treatment

• Newly diagnosed neurologic disease (since completion of Stimulation to Improve Memory Study activities)

How to Participate 

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

Haley Kohl, B.S.

Telephone: (734) 764-7402

Email: hakohl@med.umich.edu

You can read more about the STIM+ study on the U.S. Clinical Trials website. 

Overview

The fNIRS in Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Disorders (ADRD) study aims to compare two types of neuroimaging in different diagnoses along the ADRD spectrum. The first type of imaging, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), is a relatively new type of neuroimaging that uses light to measure changes in brain activity. The second type of imaging is functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), a type of neuroimaging that uses a strong magnet to measure changes in brain activity. Introducing fNIRS as an imaging technique has the potential to expand and improve diagnosis and characterization in individuals with ADRD.

This study uses fNIRS, fMRI, and neuropsychological testing to characterize symptoms and brain activity along the ADRD spectrum. For participants in the Brain-Behavior Characterization (BBC) study, enrollment in fNIRS in ADRD would add one additional study visit. 

Eligibility Criteria

• Adults age 50 or older

• MRI compatible (via the American College of Radiology guidelines)

• Stable on relevant medications for 4 weeks prior to study enrollment

Exclusionary Criteria

• Sensory impairments that limit the ability to take part in study activities

• Current alcohol or drug abuse or dependence

• Pregnancy

• Other factors (as determined by the study team) that would impact the safety or scientific benefit of taking part in the study

How to Participate

If you are interested in participation, or if you have questions regarding this study, please contact the study’s Research Supervisor:

Karen Hernandez, B.S.

Telephone: 734-764-4446

Email: karenihe@med.umich.edu

Overview

The Multimodal Investigation of Neural Plasticity (fMRS) project aims to evaluate the effects of a form of brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and test whether it changes brain activity and improves memory. This study includes up to 4 visits at the University of Michigan. Participants will receive one tDCS session where they are randomly assigned to either a "real" or "fake" tDCS group (50/50 chance). Before and after the tDCS session, participants will complete a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and perform memory tasks. We are recruiting older adults both with and without cognitive changes such as mild cognitive impairment. 

Eligibility Criteria

• 60+ years old

• English speaking

• MRI-eligible 

Exclusionary Criteria

• History of cognition-impacting neurological conditions

• Significant mental illness

• Sensory impairments

• History of alcohol or drug abuse/dependence

• For tDCS: metallic/electronic implants or skull plates

How to Participate

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

Emma Hurston-Gates

Telephone: (734) 936 - 2397

Email: ehurston@med.umich.edu