The Sunnybrook Dementia Study

Launched by SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE · Feb 25, 2013

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The Sunnybrook Dementia Study is researching ways to better understand and treat different types of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The study uses advanced brain imaging techniques to look at changes in the brain over time, along with genetic tests and cognitive assessments. This will help doctors see how dementia progresses and how new treatments might work. So far, over 1,500 patients with various forms of dementia and 140 healthy elderly individuals have joined the study, contributing to valuable insights.

To participate, individuals need to be between 40 and 90 years old, fluent in English, and have completed at least 8 years of education. They should also have some cognitive ability, as measured by a simple test. Participants can expect to undergo annual assessments that involve brain scans and cognitive tests. The study aims to improve dementia diagnosis and treatment, making it a significant step towards better care for those affected by these conditions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Patient Inclusion Criteria (General):
• • Age between 40 and 90 (inclusive)
• • Fluent in English
• • Completed 8 years of education or higher
• • Visual and auditory acuity adequate for neuropsychological testing
• • Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) score ≥ 16
• Patient Exclusion Criteria (General):
• • Possible secondary causes of dementia, concomitant or history of neurological or psychiatric illness (other than stroke or Parkinsonism)
• • History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years
• Normal Control Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age between 40-90
• • Fluent in English
• • Completed 8 years of education or higher
• • No significant memory complaints
• Normal Control Exclusion Criteria:
• • Being treated or history of being treated for psychiatric or neurological illness
• • History of alcohol or substance abuse or dependence within the past 2 years
• • Current use of psychoactive medications (e.g. antidepressant, neuroleptics, chronic anxiolytics or sedative hypnotics, etc.)
• • Medical contraindications to MRI