Clinical Research Studies

This study involves the participation of people with memory disorders or a family history of memory disorders, their caregivers, and healthy controls.This study is typically completed in one day.The purpose of this research study is to collect information about memory and thinking, about behaviors and emotions, and about physical health as these relate to memory disorders. Based on the information we collect, we will create a database of individuals who may be invited to participate in other, related, research studies in the future.We will also evaluate the information we collect to try to learn more about the clinical correlates of memory disorders and about health and functioning for people with memory disorder and their caregivers. At the request of the subject/caregiver, we will send a report of the results to his/her treating physician.

The Longitudinal Evaluation and Follow-up of Patients with Dementia and Normal Controls

Participation in this study includes:

• an interview that will ask about behaviors andfunctioning
• completing a battery of paper and pencil measures that will assess thinking and memory
• a brief physical exam that will involve a hearing test, vision test, measuring weight, and tests of simple body movements

Genetic Correlates

This study is a sub-study of Clinical Correlates; some individuals who participate in the Clinical Correlates study will be offered participation in this study. Participation in this study takes less than an hour and can be completed on the same day as the Clinical Correlates visit. The purpose of this study is to examine DNA (genetic material) from people with Alzheimer's disease and from unrelated healthy individuals. The DNA will be compared for differences or similarities between individual subjects and whether these differences or similarities are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Participation in this study includes:

• a blood draw of 50cc (approximately 3 tablespoons)

Endocannabinoids

This study involves the participation of people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls over the age of 65. This study is completed in one visit. The purpose of this study is to collect DNA (genetic material) from people to study factors, which influence the development of Alzheimer's disease. DNA (the genetic material inherited from your parents) samples from people with Alzheimer's disease and unrelated healthy individuals. The DNA will be examined for differences or similarities between individual subjects and investigate whether these differences or similarities are associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Participation in this study includes:

• a brief interview that will ask about behaviors and functioning
• a blood draw of 30cc (approximately 2 tablespoons)

Memantine Study MRS

This study will evaluate brain chemistry with a type of imaging scan known as magnetic resonance spectroscopy or "MRS". It will also test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for disease markers and mental ability using paper and pencil tests. The study involves people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that have been taking an FDA approved acetylcholinesterase (ACE) inhibitor drug [either donepezil (Aricept®), rivastigimaine (Exelon®) or galantamine (Razadyne®)]. Study subjects will be treated with memantine (Namenda®). Namenda is approved by the FDA for moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease and is available by prescription. The study lasts for 48 weeks and includes 8 separate visits.

Participation in this study involves:

• interviews that will ask about behaviors and functioning
• a battery of paper and pencil measures that will assess thinking and memory.
• a brief physical exam that will involve a hearing test, vision test, measuring weight, and tests of simple body movements
• an EKG
• blood donation
• Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
• lumbar puncture (optional)

The Longitudinal Evaluation and Follow-up of Patients with Dementia and Normal Controls