| Study Directors |
Bruce Miller, MD and Stephen Hauser, MD |
| Departments |
This study is the first collaboration between the Memory and Aging Center and the Multiple Sclerosis Department |
| Conditions Studied |
Healthy aging and early predictive factors for cognitive decline |
| Purpose |
The purpose of this study is to look for genes and health factors that help explain individual differences in age-related changes in myelin, and how those changes subsequently affect thinking, vision, peripheral nerves, hearing and brain anatomy. Myelin, a fatty material that speeds conduction along the white matter in the brain, enables communication between brain cells. Myelin has been shown to degenerate with age, slowing the speed of conduction; however, this varies significantly across individuals. |
| Inclusion Criteria |
Aged 65-100 with minor or no memory problems |
| Exclusion Criteria |
Significant memory problems or diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease |
| Testing |
A neurological examination, cognitive testing, fasting blood draw for genetics studies, interview with a study partner (someone who knows you well and can comment on any changes over time in your memory, thinking, personality or behavior), measures of nerve conduction and brain MRI |
| Frequency of Visits |
2-3 visits (about 8-16 hours) depending on availability |
| Materials Needed Prior to Evaluation |
None |
| Costs |
None. Parking will be validated for Millberry Parking Garage for study visit. |
