| Your MADRC Contacts |
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Clinical Research Coordinators
Aviva Nathan, MPH
(734) 764-8445
Arijit Bhaumik, BA
(734) 936-8281
Education Core Coordinator
Cassie Starback, MSW
(734) 936-8764
ask-madrc@umich.edu |
| Resources |
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Alzheimer's Association
www.alz.org
800.272.3900
www.lbda.org
800.539.9767
The Association for Frontotemporal Dementias
www.ftd.picks.org
866.507.7222 |
| Upcoming Events |
Big Hearts for Seniors
Memory Walk 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008 St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
If you are interested in joining us for Memory Walk 2008, please contact Courtney Kennedy at 734-615-8462 or email
clkenned@med.umich.edu
MADRC Team 2007
Free Memory Screening
Saturday, November 8, 2008
New Hope Outreach Clinic
229 Chapin Street,
Ann Arbor
This community outreach program offers brief memory testing and access to resources to help individuals understand and cope with memory changes.
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Open House Success!
The MADRC invited research volunteers, donors, community professionals and local dog lovers to celebrate the official opening of our new center. Volunteers enrolled in our University of Michigan - Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP) will now be seen at our new location, rather than at the U of M Hospital. Our center features a resource library, which includes books, brochures, and videos on dementia-specific topics. All are welcome to visit - 2101 Commonwealth Blvd., Suite D., Ann Arbor, MI 48105.
 Catherine and Bailey at the MADRC Doggy Fashion Show.
The Doggy Fashion Show, which was a fundraising event during the Open House, raised $536. All proceeds will go toward the MADRC Memory Walk Team to support local programs and services provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Please let us know if you are interested in joining us for the Memory Walk in Ann Arbor on Sunday, October 5, 2008.
For more information, please email us at
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MADRC Community Appreciation Conference
Honoring 20 years of commitment to memory and aging research.
November 13, 2008
8:45 am - 4:00 pm
Kensington Court Ann Arbor - 610 Hilton Blvd. - Ann Arbor, MI 48108
This full-day, free conference is dedicated to previous, current and future research volunteers for dedicating their time to help advance our knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. Learn from distinguished speakers about past, current and future trends in dementia research. Panel discussion will follow presentations.
Program is open to general pubilc and professionals. Registration is required. If you have any questions please call 734-764-8445.
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Research Volunteer Opportunities
In addition to brain imaging, observational studies and clinical drug trials, the MADRC supports other local memory and aging research projects. Please contact the study coordinators listed below if you are interested in learning more about the following studies:
· Fitness to Drive in Early Stage Dementia:
An Instrumented Vehicle Study
Study coordinator: Jeri Stroupe
734.764.6464 or stroupe@umich.edu
· Recapturing Personal History in Dementia:
Training Informal Caregivers
Study coordinator: Beth Spencer, LMSW
734.998.9352 or elizspen@med.umich.edu
· Alzheimer's Caregiving in the Context of Late-
life Remarriage
Study coordinator: Carey Sherman, Ph.D.
734.763-4993 or caregiver@isr.umich.edu
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Update: Alzheimer's Disease Drug Treatment Development at the University of Michigan
by Nan Barbas, M.D., M.S.W & Katie Vloet, B.A.
The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unknown, but researchers continue to discover more about the complex processes in the brain that eventually lead to memory loss and a decline in other thinking abilities. As each step is better understood, through laboratory and animal studies, new treatments can be developed by targeting the abnormal brain processes. Potential treatments for AD are often first studied in animals. When the treatments have been proven to be safe in animals and in people who do not suffer from AD, studies can then be undertaken in AD patients. This is called "translational research" and is being carried out at the University of Michigan.
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Brain Imaging Studies
Currently Enrolling
Researchers are now using brain scans to identify certain characteristic abnormalities in the brain that may signify that someone is more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease or to be able to detect the earliest brain changes that could occur before other clear symptoms might be recognized. These abnormalities or biological markers have begun to allow physicians to make a positive diagnosis with ever-increasing accuracy.
The MADRC is currently recruiting for the following brain imaging studies:
Brain Imaging Projects - these two projects use Positron Emission Topography (PET) imaging to track and diagnose the progression of suspected Alzheimer's disease. Principal Investigators: Roger Albin, M.D. and Kirk Frey, M.D., Ph.D.
If you have a patient or client who may qualify for one of these studies and expresses interest in volunteering for research, please have the patient or family member complete and mail our Participant Information Form or contact our Study Coordinator at (734) 764-8445.
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Observational Studies
Currently Enrolling
 MADRC researchers follow older adults over a period of time to observe specific changes, such as how an individual's health or memory may change over time. These studies do not require the participant to take any new drugs or medications. Vital information gathered from these types of studies have allowed researchers to gain new and valuable insights into Alzheimer's disesase and other memory loss disorders.
The MADRC is currently enrolling for the following observational studies:
Home-Based Assessment Study - observational study aimed at developing efficient and sensitive home-based testing methods for older adults who could potentially develop memory problems and Alzheimer's disease. Principal Investigator - Bruno Giordani, Ph.D.
If you have a patient or client who may qualify for any of these studies and expresses interest in volunteering for research, please have the patient or family member complete and mail our Participant Information Form or contact our Study Coordinator at (734) 764-8445.
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Clinical Drug Trials
Now recruiting
Rapid advances in our knowledge about AD have led to the development of many experimental drugs and treatments. However, before these new treatments can be adopted, they must be shown to work in patients. More research is needed in order for scientists to develop treatment strategies aimed at finding a cure or a way to prevent AD altogether.
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The MADRC appreciates your time in reviewing these referral opportunities! Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information. Please forward this email to a colleague or friend.
Contact Information
Cassie Starback, MSW
Education Core Coordinator 2101 Commonwealth Boulevard
Suite D
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(734) 936-8764
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