Research Opportunities
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Who do I call for information? Reena Rao at |
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Stanford/VA Alzheimer's Research Center is looking for research participants who are eligible and interested in participating in the following studies. Our center may be able to provide a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation.
Current Studies
MCI Support and Educational Study
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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before. It can be defined as clinically significant cognitive changes that do not meet the threshold for a diagnosis of dementia. While persons with MCI experience cognitive problems such as problems with memory, they display little to no functional impairment. Having a diagnosis of MCI can have a detrimental effect on both the individual and their loved ones. There are issues unique to these individuals and their family members and community resources addressing these issues are limited.
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In order to continue to help meet the needs of those with MCI, the Stanford/VA researchers are working closely with the Alzheimer’s Association to develop best practice support group guidelines for individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment not meeting criteria for dementia (MCI).
- The focus is on early diagnosis and intervention. A bi-monthly support group will provide education and emotional support, and address relationship issues, coping strategies, learning to live with uncertainty and planning for the future.
- Sessions are held at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System in Palo Alto, CA
- If you or a loved one has a diagnosis of MCI and would like to learn more about this program please contact Judy Filippoff at the Alzheimer’s Association at 1–800-272-3900 or call Helen Davies at 650-493-5000 x65051.
Medication Reassessment in Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
- A study evaluating the effectiveness of routine clinical treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's or related memory problems. Included will be individuals treated with FDA-approved drugs such as Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl, and Namenda, as well as those who are not receiving these medications.
- A study evaluating the effectiveness of anti-Alzheimer’s Disease medication treatments in Ethnic Minority Projects.
Sleep Disorders
- A longitudinal sleep study is looking at the daily sleep-awake patterns in Alzheimer's patients including sundowning. Current Publications. (
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Psychosocial Factors in AD Progression
- Disease progression in AD leads to increased dependence, depression, caregiver stress, and institutionalization. The emotional and financial burdens to both patients and their families are high. While there is evidence linking different support interventions to delayed institutionalization, information systematically documenting how often these services are used, levels of unmet needs, and perceived barriers to their use and their influence on patient rate of decline and institutionalization is limited. The objective of this collaborative project is to determine:
- The prevalence of Day Care and Support Group use among California Alzheimer's Disease Center (CADC) subjects diagnosed with AD and their caregivers.
- Factors associated with Day Care and Support Group participation among CADC subjects diagnosed with AD and their caregivers.
- If regular participation in these programs slows rate of cognitive decline and delays institutionalization.
Sexuality in Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
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We have been interested for a number of years in the changes that take place in a relationship when one of the partners develops dementia and AD, and have conducted research on the subject since 1989.
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Studies have shown that being able to stay connected and to share some positive activities is important in preventing depression in both patients and caregivers. We are currently looking at the issues that may arise regarding physical and emotional intimacy over the course of the disease. Our overall goal is to gain a better understanding of these issues and develop ways of helping couples address them.
Current Publications. ()