Participants Eligible for the AHEAD Study
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Are healthy adults ages 55-80 who may have an increased risk of memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease
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Have not been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia
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Have elevated or intermediate levels of amyloid in their brains determined by brain imaging as part of the study
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Have a close friend or relative who can serve as their study partner
Study Partner
What is a study partner? All clinical trials focused on reducing cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease require participants to enroll with a family member or friend who can answer questions about the participant’s memory and thinking skills and daily function. This person is called a study partner.
Why is a study partner required? Research shows that, over time, at least some people enrolled in trials like AHEAD will develop cognitive impairment, and some of these people may have trouble judging their own memory performance. Study partners may therefore be a good additional source of information. Many people in trials like AHEAD say they want a study partner to be with them for support when they learn their gene and biomarker results.
What are a study partner’s responsibilities? Study partners must attend a yearly study visit, in person or by phone. To participate,they must sign an informed consent form and complete study questionnaires and will be compensated for required visits.
Who can be a study partner? Your study partner should have regular contact (weekly) with you, either in person, by phone, or electronically, and should be someone who knows you well and who you trust to care about you.
What is “Amyloid”?
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A protein called “amyloid” builds up in the brains of people who have Alzheimer’s disease.
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While not all people with amyloid in their brain will develop Alzheimer’s disease, previous research found that people with normal memory and thinking skills who demonstrate elevated levels of amyloid are at increased risk to develop the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
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In clinical trials, researchers are testing whether investigational medications aimed at decreasing the amyloid build-up in the brain can delay or prevent the onset of memory problems.
What if I do not have Amyloid Build-Up?
Those screened who do not have amyloid build-up detected in their brain are not eligible to participate in the AHEAD Study, but can monitor their own memory performance by enrolling in other research studies such as the Alzheimer Prevention Trials (APT) Webstudy. The “webstudy” is entirely online and for people over the age of 50.
