Memory Impairment Research Study
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are conducting the Stress-AD study to explore how stress affects memory in adults aged 60 and older with mild memory problems.
Fast Facts
Ages 60+
Experiencing Mild Memory Impairment
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Baltimore, MD
Study Background
Can stress play a role in memory decline and Alzheimer’s risk?
The Cognitive Vulnerability to Stress in Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Stress-AD) study is being conducted at Johns Hopkins Bayview to explore the connection between stress and memory. This research involves 120 adults, ages 60 and older, who have mild memory problems but do not have a diagnosis of dementia or other neurological conditions. By examining how the body responds to stress and how that response may be linked to memory and thinking, researchers hope to gain new insight into early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Study participation includes memory and thinking tests, a brief stress task involving public speaking and mental math, mood and life event questionnaires, and the collection of saliva and blood samples for hormone and genetic testing. Participants will complete two visits now and one follow-up visit in two years, alongside a “study partner” who knows them well. With compensation of $300 for full participation, this study aims to lay the groundwork for future prevention trials that target stress as a potential contributor to memory decline.
Study Background
Can stress play a role in memory decline and Alzheimer’s risk?
The Cognitive Vulnerability to Stress in Individuals at Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Stress-AD) study is being conducted at Johns Hopkins Bayview to explore the connection between stress and memory. This research involves 120 adults, ages 60 and older, who have mild memory problems but do not have a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. By examining how the body responds to stress and how that response may be linked to memory and thinking, researchers hope to gain new insight into early risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Study participation includes memory and thinking tests, a brief stress task involving public speaking and mental math, mood and life event questionnaires, and the collection of saliva and blood samples for hormone and genetic testing. Participants will complete two visits now and one follow-up visit in two years, alongside a “study partner” who knows them well. With compensation of $300 for full participation, this study aims to lay the groundwork for future prevention trials that target stress as a potential contributor to memory decline.
Additional Information
This study is being done to understand how stress affects memory in older adults with mild memory problems and whether the body’s stress response may be linked to risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
You/your loved one may be eligible for this study if the following criteria is met.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 60+
- Experiencing mild memory impairment (without a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease)
- Must have a study partner
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current smoker
- Other neurological condition (such as Parkinson’s disease)
If you or your loved one participates, here is what you can expect:
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Visit 1 (about 90 minutes):
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Complete questionnaires about personality, mood, and thinking.
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Take memory and thinking tests.
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Provide a blood sample to study genes and markers related to Alzheimer’s disease.
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Visit 2 (about 3 hours):
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Take part in a brief stress task (5-minute speech + 5 minutes of mental math).
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Provide saliva samples before and after the stress task to measure stress hormones.
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Complete memory tests and questionnaires about mood.
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Visit 3 (in 2 years, about 90 minutes):
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Repeat memory and thinking tests.
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Complete questionnaires.
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Provide another blood sample.
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Participants will be compensated $100 per study visit, for a total of $300 compensation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
(IRB00313479) Principal Investigator: Cynthia A. Munro, Ph.D