Boston University | Alzheimer's Disease Center | Research | Completed Studies

CARE

The goal of the CARE Study (Patricia Boyle, PhD, Principal Investigator) was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new behavioral intervention designed to reduce caregiver stress and to reduce problem behaviors (e.g. apathy, agitation) in individuals with AD. The intervention was very effective for reducing caregiver stress. In addition to the benefit to caregivers, the intervention also resulted in some improvements in behavioral functioning among individuals with AD. Study findings will be used to inform community-based interventions for caregivers. The study was completed in 2004.

TIPS

The Treatment & Illness Perceptions Survey (TIPS) was an Alzheimer's Association funded project (Scott Roberts, PhD, Principal Investigator) examining attitudes, beliefs, and experiences regarding Alzheimer's disease among caregivers and relatives of people with AD. The goal of the study was to learn more about public perceptions of AD in order to be able tailor health education programs for diverse audiences. A total of 312 participants were surveyed, and three focus groups were conducted. Findings suggested notable distinctions between African Americans and Whites in their knowledge and beliefs about AD and its risk factors. Study findings have been presented at the 9th International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease and at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference on Prevention of Dementia.

Lecithin Study

We recently completed a pilot study (Sanford Auerbach, MD, Principal Investigator) of the acute effects of lecithin in early Alzheimer’s disease. Although there were no consistent effects of the study intervention on memory, the study demonstrated that lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) can have a significant impact on choline and homocysteine levels, both of which may prove important in the long-term treatment of AD. All study subjects were on a cholinesterase inhibitor medication (e.g., Aricept, Reminyl or Exelon), which helps to keep a good supply of acetylcholine available. When the subjects took lecithin, choline levels were elevated, but these levels returned quickly to baseline within the period the subject was off the lecithin. The impact of lecithin on lowering homocysteine levels persisted, however, even after lecithin was no longer being taken. The reduction of homocysteine was also noted to be greater for those who possessed the APOE genetic risk factor for AD. This finding is significant because elevated blood levels of homocysteine may contribute to Alzheimer’s pathology. To follow up on this study, the Boston University ADCRP is conducting other research, such as the VITAL Study, looking at reduction of homocysteine in persons with AD.

Cognitive Decline Following Heart Surgery

ADC investigator Dr. Benjamin Wolozin is corresponding author on a study soon to be published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. This study examined Post-Operative Cognitive Decline (POCD), a complication of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery. The authors followed a sample of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients undergoing CABG or another bypass surgery to examine whether CABG surgery is associated with the earlier onset of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The appearance of dementia following CABG surgery was compared to dementia in a cardiac population undergoing angioplasty. The results suggest that patients undergoing CABG surgery were indeed at increased risk for the emergence of AD compared to those undergoing the other heart procedure. These data support the hypothesis that CABG surgery is associated with a reduced neuronal reserve in an aging population.

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