Groundbreaking study seeks volunteers

Millions of people in America 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s disease, and the number is rising quickly. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 230,000 people in Illinois have the disease. For people of color, the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease is even higher. Hispanics or Latinos and Black or African Americans are especially at risk, with incidence rates 1.5 to two times higher than whites, respectively. To help find answers, researchers at Northwestern and Rush are conducting an Alzheimer’s research study funded by the National Institutes of Health and Eisai. The AHEAD Study is the first research study that aims to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease by enrolling participants as young as 55, who have no memory problems, using a tailored approach to treatment. The study looks at an investigational treatment aimed at delaying memory decline in people up to 20 years before the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appear, with the treatment dose based on participants’ brain scan results. Discovering a treatment that targets brain changes early means that one day, doctors may be able to prevent memory loss. This groundbreaking study needs volunteers, ages 55-80, who may be at increased risk of memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Diverse participants are encouraged to join the AHEAD Study so researchers can learn more about why people of color are at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In Northwestern and Rush, emphasis is being placed on enrolling participants who have traditionally been underrepresented in research studies. If interested in learning more about the AHEAD Study, please visit AHEADStudy.org.