We know that a part of the brain called the hippocampus is involved in Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Studying how the brain changes will help us improve the diagnosis and treatment of people with dementia in the future.
What is the purpose of this study?
We can currently diagnose Alzheimer’s only when symptoms are fairly severe. Earlier diagnosis is critical if future treatments which slow down the progression Alzheimer’s disease are to be maximally effective.
We are using new technology to improve the quality of brain scans of the hippocampus. We are also testing specific aspects of people’s memory. This research will help us to diagnose dementia more accurately, and at an earlier stage.
Am I able to participate?
We are looking for volunteers aged roughly 60+ who have any of the following:
- A diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Concerns about their memory, but have no diagnosis
- A diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia
- No memory problems
What does participation involve?
- Two separate visits to the Clinical Research and Imaging Centre (CRIC Bristol) in the centre of Bristol - four weeks apart, each lasting approximately two hours
- An MRI scan of the head lasting approximately 30 minutes
- A variety of memory tasks.
For More Information Please Contact Alfie Wearn
Email: alfie.wearn@bristol.ac.uk
Telephone: 0117 4148242