Get Involved
Join A Study!
Everything we have learned about memory, memory treatments, and memory disorders is known because someone volunteered for a research study. Thanks to study participants, researchers are making great strides in the early diagnosis of memory disorders and identifying potential new interventions to help treat, delay the onset, and possibly prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Learn More – For Common Questions About Participating in Research.
Brain Donation
Participants are asked to consider donating brain tissue after their 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. HOPE staff will be happy to discuss brain tissue donation with you and your family. Read More
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials test interventions, such as drugs or devices, as well as diet or lifestyle changes. Drug testing is the focus of many clinical trials. Clinical trials are the primary way that researchers find out if a promising treatment is safe and effective in people. Read More
Community Action Council
Community Action Council (CAC) is a group of individuals from all over Greater Boston who comes together once a month. The mission of the CAC is to strengthen the ability of BU ADRC staff and faculty to (a) conduct quality, inclusive research by ensuring adequate representation of participants in both the HOPE registry and other studies, (b) meet education core goals, especially in regards to the needs and concerns of the underrepresented minority community, and (c) increase community awareness of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and current treatments and lifestyle.
Each CAC member works with their local networks – including churches, housing authorities, councils on aging, civic groups, libraries, dementia support groups, and similar organizations – to spread the word about the work done by the ADRC and to facilitate new partnerships. Join Us!
Student Ambassador Program
Selected students from any university or college in Boston are given the chance to join the ORE Core Program Manager at recruitment events. This gives students the chance to learn specifically about Clinical Trials and Studies at the BU ADRC as well as the opportunity for students to interact with community members. We are currently accepting applications. Feel free to email Samrana Bertrand, sbertran@bu.edu for inquiries.
To request a speaker for a community education event, get in touch with our Program Manager, Samrana Bertrand at sbertran@bu.edu.
Alzheimer’s Association Programs
Center investigators work with the state chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association to provide education for health care professionals throughout the state who work with patients and families affected by dementia. For example, our faculty are regular presenters at the annual “Map through the Maze” multidisciplinary conference held in May for dementia care professionals who work in assisted living facilities, nursing homes, community agencies, hospitals, and other settings. In addition, Center faculty assist with the Association’s statewide Physician and Nurse Grand Rounds program designed to educate primary care providers about dementia care. You can find more information about these types of educational events by visiting the calendar for the Alzheimer’s Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter.
Memory Sunday
Memory Sunday is a faith-based collaboration that we are a part of, made up of leaders at the community, city and state levels. It is held on the 2nd Sunday each June, the goal of this event is to raise awareness about memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, in the African American/Black community.