For each disease, there are multiple risk factors including lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and environment. We at the GNL are interested in understanding how these different factors contribute to cognitive decline in dementia. For this study, we work with participants who are siblings, children, and spouses of an individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
Participants visit us at the Boston VA Medical Center for a blood test, brief medical examination, electrocardiogram (EKG), paper and pencil tests of memory, language and attention, and a completion of questionnaires related to mood, daily activities and health.
There is also an optional MRI portion of the study, which will take detailed pictures of the anatomy of the brain.