Rewards Study

Purpose of the Study

Researchers in the Perry Lab at the UCSF Edward and Pearl Fein Memory and Aging Center, part of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, are studying how changes in reward processing affect people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer's disease, and mood disorders. Reward processing refers to how the brain responds to experiences that are enjoyable, motivating, or meaningful. The goal of this research is to better understand how changes in reward processing relate to brain function and behavior, improve the diagnosis of FTD, and identify new targets for future treatments.

Specifically, the study aims to:

  1. Identify differences in reward processing that distinguish FTD, including people who carry an FTD-related gene variant but have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, from primary mood disorders.
  2. Examine how changes in reward processing relate to behavior, emotions, and changes in brain structure.
  3. Evaluate whether measures of reward processing can help distinguish early behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD) from other neurodegenerative diseases and from psychiatric symptoms that begin later in life.

What to Expect

Study visit: The study visit lasts about 2 hours and takes place at the UCSF Fein Memory and Aging Center at the Mission Bay campus.

Testing: During the visit, researchers will place noninvasive sensors on your body to measure physiological responses such as heart rate, breathing, and skin conductance (changes in sweating). You will be presented with a variety of sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch sensations while researchers measure your body's responses and ask you to describe your experience.

Cost: There is no cost to participate in any of the study procedures.

Contact Information

If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact:

Meghan Johnson
Assistant Clinical Research Coordinator
[email protected]
415-514-7580

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