STUDY BASICS
Are you a heavy drinker who is 62-65 years old? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to help learn more about the relationship between heavy alcohol use and beta-amyloid in the brain. Beta-amyloid is a protein found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. 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. 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 62-65
- Heavy drinkers, problem drinkers, or alcoholics
- Not diagnosed with any of the following: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, or other intellectual disability
- 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
IRB: STUDY19060119A
- Imaging beta-amyloid in middle age alcoholics as a mechanism that increases their risk for Alzheimer’s diseaseMEET THE RESEARCHER
Rajesh Narendran
Dr. Rajesh Narendran, MD, is an Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Narendran specializes in using positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers to understand the neurochemical abnormalities in stress-related and addictive disorders in humans. Aside from his work in research, Dr. Narendran is a fully licensed PA physician and a board-certified psychiatrist who treats drug/alcohol addicted and psychiatric patients at the UPMC WPIC re:solve crisis center.