Boston University | Alzheimer's Disease Center | Research | Memory & Aging

Study Overview

The HBA study seeks to determine the feasibility of detecting cognitive change in participants aged 75 or older from the comfort of their own home. The study will compare three different at-home methods, including mail-in forms or a special telephone or computer, to the traditional way of collecting information in a clinic setting. It will also look at how well subjects adhere to study medication schedules using a multivitamin that we will provide.

This study is a federally funded study by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS), through a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease prevention trials require large numbers of subjects who must devote a great deal of time coming in to research centers for their examinations. They also often require the participant to have a study partner in order to participate. The HBA study, by testing participants in their own home, as well as not requiring a study partner, should decrease the burden on participants, reduce the cost of these studies, and allow more people to participate in such a trial.

Who Is Eligible to Participate?

Participants in the HBA study must:

Be age 75 years or older.
Have normal mental function.
Be willing to take the multivitamins we provide.

What Happens In This Study?

Study participants are asked to:

Undergo a brief physical and neurological examination and tests of memory and concentration, and provide blood samples.
Learn to use new at-home information collection methods, either using the mail/telephone, a voice-activated telephone, or a personal computer. The voice-activated telephones and computers are provided to participants and installed by study staff.
Complete brief at-home assessments either annually, quarterly, or monthly.
Participate in longer in-person assessments, either at home or in the clinic, for the end-of-study visit, and potentially during the study as well.
Take the study multivitamin twice daily for 4 years.

They may be asked to complete an MRI scan of the brain or undergo further bloodwork, at the discretion of the study clinician.

Where Is The Study Taking Place?

In the privacy of your home, or if you wish, at the Boston University Medical Center. Click here for directions.

How Can I Find Out More?

Please contact Megan Wulff at (617) 638-6143.

Key Personnel for HBA Study

Robert A. Stern, PhD - Principal Investigator for Boston University site

Megan Wulff - Study Coordinator for the Boston University site

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