Observational Studies
Observational studies look at what happens naturally without interfering or giving treatments to the people involved. Instead of testing a new drug or treatment, researchers simply observe and gather information about people’s health, behaviors, and other factors.
The main goal of these studies is to understand how different factors (demographics, diet, genetics, environmental factors, etc.) might influence disease or health conditions, which is important for finding better ways to diagnose or treat disease.
The studies below provide information on studie swe are currently enrolling, completed and are in development. If you are interested in learning more, or would like to participate in a study, please Connect With Us.
ADRC Clinical Core
The Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) seeks to improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias through the discovery of newer and better ways to diagnose and treat these diseases. The ADRC Clinical Core serves as a central hub, providing detailed clinical information that can be used in studies of aging and dementia. These evaluations include tests of memory and cognitive skills, assessment of mood and independent living skills, and examination of neurological status that help characterize people with and without memory loss. Clinical Core participants return for follow-up visits every 12-18 months, which provides opportunities to better understand the normal aging process and/or progression of dementia.
Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a large, multicenter study designed to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of AD and related dementias. The study seeks to identify reliable ways to track the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The data collected in this study are shared with researchers worldwide, encouraging collaboration and new ideas to improve the design of AD treatment trials, accelerate development of effective therapies, and improve the lives of people living with AD.
Association Between Biomarkers of Chronic Stress and Cognition in Latinos
Chronic stress can affect memory and thinking, and it may help explain why people in Latino communities are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This study aims to look at how long-term stress affects memory and thinking in older Hispanic/Latino Americans by examining relationships among stress biomarkers (derived from hair samples), cognitive test performances, and sociocultural factors. By understanding how stress and cultural reactions to stress impact memory and thinking, the study hopes to identify ways to help slow down or prevent cognitive decline in this group.
Biomarkers and Rates of Progression in Dementia study (Bio-RaPID)
Rapidly Progressive Dementia (RPD) is a group of conditions where a person’s memory and thinking skills decline much faster than in typical forms of dementia. In RPD, symptoms can appear and get much worse within weeks or months, while in regular dementia, the decline usually takes years to become noticeable. RPD can be caused by a variety of factors, such as brain infections, autoimmune conditions, or other brain-related disorders. Sometimes, it can be linked to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). This study aims to better understand the causes of RPD in people with ADRD. The researchers hope to identify the factors that make people more likely to experience RPD and to discover what leads to these rapid declines. Ultimately, the goal is to improve diagnosis and find better ways to treat or slow down the disease.
Centrally-Linked Longitudinal Peripheral Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease (CLEAR-AD)
The Centrally-Linked Longitudinal Peripheral Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease (CLEAR-AD) initiative seeks to advance personalized medicine in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). To accomplish this, researchers gather and analyze different types of biological data to better understand ADRD, including brain imaging, genetic markers, protein levels, and other biological markers of disease. The goal is to learn how all these different factors work together over time to impact the onset and course of ADRD, and response to treatment. The program is led by a team of investigators from Mayo Clinic Florida and Indiana University School of Medicine in collaboration with leading institutions from across the country and around the world. Through this collaborative approach, CLEAR-AD aims to help develop more effective, personalized diagnostic and treatment strategies for people with ADRD.
Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)
The Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN) study is a major research project that focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease in families with a strong history of the disease. These families have a gene mutation that makes them more likely to develop Alzheimer's at an early age, often in their 30s or 40s. The goal of the DIAN study is to learn more about the early signs of Alzheimer's before symptoms appear, so researchers can find ways to prevent or delay the disease. The study looks at how the brain changes over time in people with this genetic mutation and compares those changes with healthy individuals from families without the mutation. This study is important because it can provide key insights into the disease, which may help in finding better ways to treat or prevent Alzheimer's for everyone.
ARTFL LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (ALLFTD)
The ARTFL LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (ALLFTD) study is a large research project led by Mayo Clinic that focuses on frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), a group of rare brain diseases. These conditions affect the brain’s frontal and temporal lobes, leading to changes in behavior, language, and motor skills. The main goals of the ALLFTD study are to closely examine people with FTLD and find reliable markers (biomarkers) for early diagnosis and better monitoring of the disease over time. By gathering data from multiple research centers, the study aims to improve our understanding of FTLD, distinguish it from normal aging, and help develop better treatments. The results will also support clinical trials and improve care for patients with FTLD.
Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study (LEADS)
This research project focuses on understanding Alzheimer's disease in people who develop symptoms at a younger age, typically before 65. Early-onset Alzheimer's is different from the more common form of the disease that affects older adults, and it can progress more quickly. The goal of the LEADS study is to learn more about how Alzheimer's develops and changes over time in younger people. Researchers are studying various factors, like brain changes, memory and thinking skills, and genetic information, to better understand the disease and how it progresses. By following participants for several years, the study hopes to uncover early signs of Alzheimer's and find ways to improve diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with early-onset Alzheimer's.
Longitudinal Imaging Biomarkers of Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Mayo Clinic has been recognized as a Research Center of Excellence (RCOE) by the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA). This designation highlights institutions that offer advanced care, outreach, and support for people affected by dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and related disorders. The center is involved in research that uses brain imaging, genetic data, and other biomarkers to better understand DLB and find ways to improve treatments. These efforts aim to make diagnosing and treating DLB more effective, ultimately improving the quality of life for people living with the disease.
Mayo Speech Test - Monitoring Indicators of Neurologic Health and Disease (MST-MIND)
Our speech can be affected by conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or other neurological disorders, so monitoring speech can help doctors spot early signs of these conditions. The MST is a simple tool designed to track changes in speech that could signal problems with brain health. The test involves having people speak certain words or sentences, and researchers listen carefully to things like how clearly they speak, the speed of their speech, and how their voice sounds. By tracking these speech patterns over time, the test helps doctors understand if there are any changes that might indicate a problem with brain function. This can help with early diagnosis and better management of conditions that affect the brain.
Mayo Test Drive
Mayo Clinic researchers are developing a simple and easy-to-use web-based tool to check memory and thinking skills. The goal is to make cognitive testing more accessible so people can assess their memory on their own personal devices, like smartphones, tablets, or computers, without needing to visit a doctor’s office. Participants in the study will help test whether using this tool regularly can spot early signs of memory problems, which could lead to quicker diagnoses and earlier treatment for conditions like memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias.
Mayo Advancing Research Engagement in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Study (MAREAS)
The Mayo Advancing Research Engagement in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Study (MAREAS) is a research project focused on making sure people from diverse backgrounds are included in studies about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Researchers gather comprehensive health data, genetic information, lifestyle habits, and social determinants to better understand the factors influencing ADRD in diverse populations. The goal of the study is to find new insights that can lead to more effective and personalized treatments for people with ADRD.