Neuropsychology Alzheimer's Studies

The neuropsychology Alzheimer's studies were designed to develop an intervention to help people make healthier choices to lower their risk of Alzheimer's disease. Volunteers can take part in free, 12-week programs.

The principal investigator for both programs will be Laura Korthauer, PhD.

Compensation will be provided for participants.

Wearable Activity Monitor Study

Adults ages 45 to 69 years who speak English and may have some risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are eligible for this study. Risk factors include being overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of Alzheimer’s disease.

The study involves a free, 12-week program (meeting 2 times per week) in which volunteers will learn about healthy behaviors that can lower their risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will be given a wearable activity monitor (i.e., a Fitbit) to wear during the study.

At the beginning of the program, participants will take questionnaires, complete computer tasks, and provide a blood sample. They will be randomly chosen to participate in a basic healthy living education class or one in which they will receive personalized information about health beliefs. At the end of the 12-week program, participants will complete more questionnaires about their experience and provide another blood sample.

Belief Intervention Study

Adults ages 45 to 69 years who speak English who may have some risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are eligible for this study.

Participants will be asked to provide information about their health and beliefs about their own risk for Alzheimer’s disease. They will then participate in a one-on-one interview with a research staff member to discuss this information.

Participants will participate in a 4-hour study visit that involves taking questionnaires, completing computer tasks, and talking to research staff about health and beliefs about health. Participants will be asked to give their opinions about the information they receive.