The Alzheimer Society Research Portal connects researchers with Canadians looking to participate in research studies. On this website, find active studies that you can participate in to help advance research on dementia.
This study explores Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a potential treatment for mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, the mild electrical stimulation is delivered to a part of the brain called the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PPN), which helps regulate cognitive and sleep-related brain rhythms. The trial will recruit a small group of participants to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of DBS-PPN in treating AD. The goal of this study is to see if targeting this part of the brain with DBS can help people living with mild AD improve their memory, thinking skills, and sleep quality.
Are 60 years or older
-Have a diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's Disease
-Are fluent in English
-Have a personal caregiver willing to join the study
This study aims to evaluate the acceptance and usability of the GuardIO Family Care app, a mobile application designed to support community safety for individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their care partners. The study also aims to analyze mobility patterns collected from the app to explore how mobility data can contribute to the early detection of cognitive impairment. The findings will help improve app design, inform care strategies, and support early intervention efforts for individuals living with dementia or MCI.
You are eligible to participate if you:
Are 18 years of age or older
Are living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia, or are a care partner of someone with MCI or dementia
Are able to use a smartphone or tablet with the GuardIO app
Are willing to participate in the study activities, including using the app, completing questionnaires, and attending an optional focus group
Can understand and communicate in English (or another supported language, if applicable)
We are conducting three separate studies to explore the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or Primary Progressive Aphasia. tDCS is a non-invasive therapy that uses low electrical currents to stimulate specific areas of the brain. Previous research has suggested that tDCS can improve symptoms such as language difficulties and may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Our studies aim to investigate these effects in different contexts, including language therapy and overall mental abilities. Upon completion, participants will receive their study results to help guide their decisions about whether tDCS could be part of a long-term therapy plan.
Person living with Alzheimer's disease
The Communication Bridge 3 Study is focused on helping adults with mild to moderate Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a condition that affects language abilities due to neurodegenerative diseases. The study aims to improve functional communication and life participation by providing structured language and communication support remotely through video conferencing.
Participants work with speech-language pathologists to practice communication techniques and learn strategies to address daily communication challenges. The study involves a series of therapy sessions, assessments, and follow-up evaluations to measure changes in communication and participation over time. By tracking participants' progress, the study hopes to identify effective approaches for enhancing quality of life for those living with PPA and their care partners.
You are eligible to participate if you speak English as a primary language, a confirmed diagnosis of PPA in mild to moderate impairment stage, a communication partner that is willing to participate, and sufficient internet connection.
The aim of this study is to develop a large, ethically sources, and diverse database of voice recordings to determine whether voice has biomarkers for particular disease categories, including neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. The data that is collected will be used to develop a full open-access database to fuel artificial intelligence research related to voice.
It is expected that the information collected during this study will be used in analyses and will be published/presented to the scientific community at meetings and in journals. This information may also be used as part of a submission to regulatory authorities around the world to support the approval of the study intervention for agitation in AD.
You are eligible to participate if you meet the following criteria:
• Age ≥ 55; females must be post-menopausal
• DSM-5 criteria for Major Neurocognitive Disorder due to AD; multiple etiologies (AD and vascular)
• sMMSE ≤ 24
• Clinically significant agitation based on IPA definition
• Stable cognition-enhancing medication for at least 3 months prior to study enrolment
• Availability of a caregiver to accompany participant to study visits and to participate in the study
• Ability to speak English
Our study titled "Investigating the Role of Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and Oxygen Extraction Fraction as Advanced Neuroimaging Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease" aims to develop non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease (AD). We focus on evaluating the potential of QSM and OEF to differentiate between AD, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), and Cognitively Unimpaired populations and to predict amyloid and tau pathology, using a Systems Biology approach. Leveraging the McGill University's TRIAD cohort, the study utilizes advanced imaging and machine learning to predict amyloid and tau presence, which could transform AD diagnostics and treatment. Methodologically, it involves preprocessing neuroimaging data and employing machine learning classifiers to analyze these features. The anticipated outcomes include validating QSM and OEF as non-invasive biomarkers for AD, establishing their correlation with amyloid and tau proteins, and developing predictive models for clinical decision-making, potentially resulting in significant advancements in AD diagnostics.
Are a member of the TRIAD cohort at McGill University, falling within one of the following categories: young control, cognitively unimpaired, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's Disease.
Are willing and able to undergo advanced neuroimaging techniques including MRI and PET without contraindications.
Have not had any significant neurological conditions (other than AD for the AD group) that might interfere with the results of the study.
Have no metal implants, devices, or other conditions that may contraindicate or distort MRI imaging.
Are not currently participating in other clinical trials or studies that involve interventions which might interfere with the results of this study.
Are able and willing to provide informed consent for participation in the study or have a legally authorized representative who can do so.
Do not have a history of substance abuse or other conditions that might confound the imaging and cognitive data.
Have not undergone any significant head trauma or surgery in the past 6 months.
Are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the duration of the study.
Are willing to comply with all study-related procedures, imaging sessions, and follow-up evaluations.
Ability to speak English and French
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