Alzheimer's & MCI Paid Research Study
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine are conducting a study in adults ages 45–85 to better understand Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The goal is to learn how brain stimulation may improve memory, language, and thinking abilities in individuals with these conditions.
Fast Facts
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, amnestic MCI, or PPA without significant psychiatric conditions
45-85
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $2,000
Conducted in
Baltimore, MD
Study Background
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine are conducting a study to learn how Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) affect thinking and communication.
Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions, such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA), are associated with changes in memory, language, and brain function. These changes may result from alterations in the brain’s neural networks and communication pathways.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine aim to learn more about how noninvasive brain stimulation may help improve language and cognitive abilities in individuals affected by these conditions. By studying how the brain responds to this treatment, we hope to better understand the mechanisms that support memory and communication.
Eventually, the findings from this study may help guide new therapies to improve quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Study Background
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine are conducting a study to learn how Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and primary progressive aphasia (PPA) affect thinking and communication.
Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions, such as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and primary progressive aphasia (PPA), are associated with changes in memory, language, and brain function. These changes may result from alterations in the brain’s neural networks and communication pathways.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine aim to learn more about how noninvasive brain stimulation may help improve language and cognitive abilities in individuals affected by these conditions. By studying how the brain responds to this treatment, we hope to better understand the mechanisms that support memory and communication.
Eventually, the findings from this study may help guide new therapies to improve quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are working to understand how Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions affect memory, language, and thinking. We aim to learn more about how changes in the brain’s communication networks contribute to symptoms such as memory loss and language difficulties.
Using advanced neuroscience tools, we are studying how noninvasive brain stimulation—called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—may help improve these functions. We will measure brain activity, cognitive performance, and other factors that influence how people respond to treatment.
By learning more about how the brain adapts and responds to stimulation, we hope to identify new ways to support cognitive and language recovery in individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or primary progressive aphasia (PPA).
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 45–85
- Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or primary progressive aphasia (PPA)
- Right-handed
- Able to undergo MRI scanning
Exclusion Criteria:
- Significant psychiatric conditions (e.g., schizophrenia)
- Advanced dementia or severe language impairments
- Uncorrectable vision problems
- Diagnosis of other neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, developmental dyslexia)
- Severe claustrophobia or metal implants preventing MRI
- Pregnant (if female)
- Significant hearing loss
- Not completed high school
In the lab:
- Multiple visits at our Baltimore facility for cognitive and language assessments.
- Each assessment includes interviews, questionnaires, cognitive tasks, and MRI scans.
- Some visits include evaluation of brain activity using advanced neuroimaging techniques.
At home / remote:
- Participants may complete brief surveys or activities from home to track daily cognitive functioning, memory, and mood.
- Activities are designed to take only a few minutes per day and help researchers understand how the brain responds to the treatment and cognitive exercises.
Treatment:
- The study includes two periods of treatment, each consisting of 10 consecutive weekdays of cognitive training paired with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS).
- Follow-up assessments occur immediately after treatment, 1 month post-treatment (virtual), and 3 months post-treatment.
As a participant, you may receive up to $2,000.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.