Boston University | Alzheimer's Disease Center | Research | Brain Imaging

The Heart & Brain Aging Study is focused on examining the association between heart and brain health among older adults to determine if heart function is associated with changes in memory as adults age.

Who is eligible to participate?

People who are at least 60 years old.
People WITH mild memory problems or concerns.
People WITHOUT any memory complaints.
Participants must NOT have metallic implants or deposits of any kind, including, but not limited to:
- Metal joint replacements,
- Pacemakers,
- Metal heart stents,
- Bullets or shrapnel.

What happens at the visit?

Participation is voluntary and involves only one visit lasting approximately 4 or 5 hours.

Participants will be asked to:

Provide background information about their medical history,
Have a small blood sample taken and have their blood pressure, height, and weight measured,
Complete a series of paper and pencil measures of memory, problem solving, and language, and
Undergo non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heart and brain.

What are the benefits of participating?

The information gained from this study will pave the way for the development of prevention strategies and treatments aimed at protecting the brain from unhealthy aging, such as memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease.
With your permission, we can share results of your heart and brain scans and your blood draw with your doctor.
Free parking and breakfast will be provided.
Participants will be financially compensated for their time.

Where is the study taking place?

The first half of the study visit will take place in the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC) at Boston University Medical Center. Heart and brain scanning will be done at the Center for Biomedical Imaging (CBI), just a short walk from the medical center. Parking in the Doctor’s Office Building garage at the hospital will be complimentary. If extenuating circumstances prevent you from finding transportation to the visit, special arrangements may be made.

How can I find out more?

If you are interested in participating in this study, please call the Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator at 617-414-1078.

More information is also available in the Heart & Brain Aging Study brochure.

Key Personnel

Angela L. Jefferson, PhD (Principal Investigator)

Amanda Gentile, MRes (Research Coordinator)

Nicole Cantwell (Research Assistant)

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