( Memory, Alzheimer’s, healthy aging )
Memory & Aging
Memory research asks for people with memory changes and, just as often, for people without them. Many studies welcome a family member or friend as a study partner.
What studies here look at
Studies for people with early memory problems or Alzheimer’s disease often test medicines meant to slow change over a year or more. They usually include memory tests at set points and scans of the brain.
Prevention studies ask for older adults with no memory complaints at all. They look at exercise, blood pressure, hearing, sleep and diet, and how each relates to keeping a clear mind later in life.
Who studies often ask for
Every study writes its own requirements, so read this as a picture of who tends to be asked, not a checklist.
- People who have noticed changes in their memory or thinking
- People with a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s
- Healthy adults over 55, for prevention research
- Family members who can come along as a study partner
( Taking part )
What a study might ask of you
Memory tests
Puzzles, word lists and drawing tasks that take about an hour.
Brain scans
An MRI, and in some studies a PET scan, explained step by step.
A study partner
Someone who knows you well answers questions about daily life.
Longer timelines
Visits every few months, sometimes for several years.
Questions worth asking
Take these to your first call with a research team, along with the questions in our guide to screening.
- Does my study partner need to come to every visit?
- Will I be told the results of my brain scans?
- How long is the study expected to run in total?
Hear about studies in this area
Join with Memory & Aging as your area and your ZIP code, and we will text you when a study near you fits.
Join for this areaSee what is recruiting today
ClinicalTrials.gov is the public U.S. registry of studies. This search lists recruiting studies for Alzheimer’s disease.
Open the registry search