The Health Outreach Program for the Elderly (HOPE) study, funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), is a long-term study of memory and aging. This study is designed to help us improve our understanding of how memory and other thinking abilities change in people over the age of 65. The HOPE study evaluates persons with and without memory problems throughout their lives. The HOPE study also serves as a registry of research participants to help other researchers who are studying normal aging and Alzheimer’s disease. The results of the study provide valuable information that will assist researchers who are working toward finding causes and treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and related memory impairment.
Who is eligible to participate?
You are eligible to participate if you are 65 years of age or older. The HOPE study seeks participants with and without memory problems. Since little is known about Alzheimer’s disease in African American families, a priority of this project is to enroll African Americans. This research will help insure that African Americans benefit from new developments in diagnosis and treatment.
What happens at the visit?
Participants will be asked questions about family and medical history, and will undergo some tests of memory and concentration. Participants will be asked to return yearly for a follow up visit. Participants must be accompanied by a family member or friend during each yearly visit.
Brain Tissue Donation: Participants are asked to consider donating brain tissue after death. Research using brain tissue helps scientists discover treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The results of the brain examination will be made available to your family.
What if I am an investigator interested in accessing the HOPE registry for research participants?
In order to be eligible to have HOPE registry participants contacted about your study, please read the instructions contained in this letter and complete the Data Request Form. Please submit your request by email to Beverly Young at bmyoung@bu.edu. Requests are formally reviewed by the Executive Committee of the BU ADC. For more information about the application and review procedures, contact Beverly Young at bmyoung@bu.edu or 857.364.4702.
Where is the study taking place?
How can I find out more?
Please call Eric Steinberg at 617.638.5368 (Email: egstein@bu.edu)

- Robert C. Green, M.D., M.P.H. - Principal-Investigator/Neurologist
- Neil Kowall, M.D. - ADC Director, Co-Investigator/Neurologist
- Robert A. Stern, Ph.D. - Senior Co-Investigator/Neuropsychologist
- Mark Moss, Ph.D. - Senior Co-Investigator/Neuropsychologist
- Angela L. Jefferson, Ph.D. - Co-Investigator/Neuropsychologist
- Sanford Auerbach, M.D. - Neurologist
- Ann McKee, M.D. - Neuropathologist
- Alan Mandell, M.D. - Neurologist
- Eric Steinberg, M.S.N, R.N., C.S. - Project Manager
- Brandon Gavett, PhD - Neuropyschologist
- Silvia Seranno, MPH - Associate Coordinator
- Natalie Joffe - Brain Tissue Coordinator/Psychometrist
- Elana Cook - Psychometrist
- Angela Dwyer - Participant Coordinator
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