The ADNI Study

The Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is an observational trial that combines imaging from PET scans and MRIs with cognitive testing and biological samples.

The importance of the ADNI study can be seen through the changes that it has ushered in since its inception in 2004. ADNI research paved the way for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s through the use of biomarker tests such as amyloid PET scans and lumbar punctures for cerebrospinal fluid samples. The study has also demonstrated that roughly 25 percent of people in their mid-70s have a very early stage called “preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease,” which would have previously gone undetected. This important discovery has led to the current view that prevention and early treatment may be the most effective approach to the disease.

The progress made by the ADNI studies thus far has only been possible through the efforts of 1,250 volunteers who have participated in the first two phases. The ADNI-3 trial will be open to those with Alzheimer’s, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and those with Normal cognition.