Brain Imaging Study for Healthy Volunteers

STUDY BASICS

Are you a 40-65 year old adult who is not a heavy drinker? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help better understand how alcohol use affects the brain by comparing people with and without alcohol use disorders. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Adults who are heavy drinkers are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, but researchers do not fully understand why. Some research suggests that heavy drinking may increase levels of beta-amyloid—a protein found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of this research study is to help researchers learn more about the relationship between heavy alcohol use and beta-amyloid in the brain by comparing people with and without alcohol use disorders. Researchers hope their findings will lead to a better understanding of the risks of heavy alcohol use on the brain.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOU?

• Ages 40-65
• Do not drink heavily
• Have never been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (ex., depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, etc.) or addictive disorder
• No history of any severe medical or neurological illness, such as chronic kidney failure, chronic liver disease, or a severe pulmonary disease such as COPD
• Do not have a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias
• Able and willing to undergo MRI scanning (not claustrophobic, have no non-removable metal in your body)
• Not pregnant or breastfeeding

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation involves an initial phone call and in-person screening visit to find out if you are eligible for the study. During the 4-hour screening visit, participants will have a mental and physical health evaluation, complete questionnaires, and provide blood and urine samples. If eligible after the screening visit, participants will have three additional visits:

• Visit 1: MRI scan – 1 hour
• Visit 2: PET scan – less than 4 hours
• Visit 3: testing to assess your memory, attention, and decision-making capabilities