Note: This study is currently only recruiting patients in the hospital.

If you are interested in being notified if this study begins recruiting from the general population, please use the 'I Am Interested' button below.

Seeking older adults with diagnosed Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and/or mild behavioral symptoms

This observational study is being carried out to determine whether new automated-telephone and computer-based tests could help doctors make an early diagnosis for Alzheimer's disease and track early changes in their daily functioning.

Massachusetts General Hospital Alzheimer's Disease Healthy Aging Memory
8 visits over 3 years
Estimated Time Commitment
Male, Female, 55-90 years
May Be Eligible
Payment up to $1,200
May Be Offered
Office visit, MRI scan, PET scan, Personal health tracking, Survey, Blood draw
May Be Required
 
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Enrollment for this study is expected to close on Thursday, March 26, 2026

Overview

What we are studying

This observational study is being carried out to determine whether new automated telephone and computer-based tests that will be completed in our office can help doctors make an early diagnosis for Alzheimer’s Disease and track early changes in daily functioning. These tests will also be compared to paper and pen tests of memory and thinking and mood and behavior. And they will also be compared to MRI and PET imaging scans of your brain.


Why it is important

It is important to do this in order to identify early detection and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. 


What we hope to accomplish

To determine whether these new automated telephone and computer-based tests could be an easy and and inexpensive way to help primary care physicians track early diagnoses that are associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Principal Investigator

Gad A Marshall, M.D.

Massachusetts General Hospital

Public Profile

Project Contact

Click I Am Interested "I Am Interested" "I Am Interested" to get started. If you have questions, contact:

Alexa Coussoule
Recruitment Specialist

acoussoule@bwh.harvard.edu
(617) 726-3086

Who can participate

Looking for participants within three groups: (1) adults ages 55-90 recently diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, (2) adults ages 55-90 with mild behavioral symptoms, (3) adults ages 65-90 who do not have any clinical diagnoses related to memory or thinking (i.e., healthy controls). Must be on stable medications and are willing to participate for the next three years. Ideally has a smartphone for future smartphone application tasks. 


Healthy Volunteers

Healthy volunteers are eligible for this study

Who cannot participate

Diagnoses of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, PTSD, obsessive compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, current active substance use disorder (past year; remote okay); Diagnosis of dementia; Currently receiving ECT (TMS okay); TBI, stroke, or other severe neurological disease (MS, epilepsy); Individuals with severe, currently unstable medical condition also cannot participate.

What you may be asked to do

Study will include: Office visits, blood draws, brain imaging--MRI brain imaging--PET scans, physical exam, memory and thinking tests, and use of a pedometer. 


Project activities may include:

  • Office visit
  • MRI scan
  • PET scan
  • Personal health tracking
  • Survey
  • Blood draw

Estimated Time Commitment

8 visits over 3 years

What You May Get

Subjects will be compensated monetarily, a total of $750 for participation. They will form working
relationships with research doctors and team members, including access to periodic seminars on brain health, mental health, and aging.

Location

MGH Charlestown 149
13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129

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Travel

  • Accessible by public transportation
  • Parking available

Travel and Parking Details

Additional Information

Participating Institutions


Funding Source

  • NIH or Other Federal
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