New Alzheimer's Disease Study Seeks Volunteers

February 21, 2006 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is looking for 800 older adults (55 to 90 years old) who would like to participate in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI). The ADNI is a $60 million, 5-year study to investigate how brain changes are related to memory problems. The 800 adults will be divided into three groups: 200 cognitively normal older people; followed for 3 years 400 people with mild cognitive impairment; followed for 3 years 200 people with early Alzheimer's disease; followed for 2 years. Researchers will use a variety of brain imaging methods and other tests to compare the changes in the body that occur normally and those that change in association with Alzheimer's disease. They hope to identify specific changes that can be used to test treatments to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.