
Decision Making and Implementation of Aging-in-Place/Long Term Care Plans Among Older Adults
Alzheimer DiseaseMild Cognitive ImpairmentThis study seeks to better understand how older adult aging-in-place/long term care decision making and implementation is impacted by age-related changes (e.g. cognition, health literacy, chronic conditions), social influences (e.g. caregivers/supporters), and environmental factors.

Effect of Sedation on Cognitive Performance in the Elderly
Postoperative Cognitive DysfunctionThe main goal of this study is to allow the anesthesiologist to make a more informed decision about the anesthetic requirement of a person prior to starting anesthesia. The preliminary data collected in this study will support a larger investigation aimed at gaining a better understanding of anesthetic susceptibility in general and in the elderly population which appears to be at greater risk for Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD) POCD is a short-term decline in cognitive function (especially in memory and executive functions) that may last from a few days to a few weeks after surgery. In rare cases, this disorder may persist for several months after major surgery. POCD is distinct from emergence delirium. It occurs most commonly in older patients and those with pre-existing cognitive impairment. POCD is common in adult patients of all ages at hospital discharge after major non-cardiac surgery, but only the elderly (aged 60 years or older) are at significant risk for long-term cognitive problems. The body's inflammatory response to surgery likely plays an important role, at least in elderly patients. Investigators also postulate that a relative 'anesthetic overdose' may be a significant risk factor. Hence, being able to make a better judgment on the dose needed for an individual is extremely important.

Novel Diagnostic and Disease Stage Biomarkers in AD
Alzheimer DiseaseMild Cognitive Impairment4 moreThis study will investigate the efficacy of novel biomarkers, namely blood-based biomarkers, pupillometry and actigraphy to track and predict progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, the study will investigate the diagnostic value of pupillometry and actigraphy for AD.

Insulin Resistance and Mild Cognitive Impairment (IRMCI) Study
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentInsulin Resistance2 moreDementia (Alzheimer's Disease) is sometimes called "Type 3 Diabetes" because of the strong connection between Type 2 diabetes (a function of insulin resistance) with Dementia. The investigators therefore hypothesize that Reducing Insulin Resistance using Intensive Lifestyle Intervention (Exercise and Weight loss) + Metformin Treatment in Prediabetic & diet-control-only Diabetic overweight and mildly cognitively impaired individuals 55 years or older would lead to better Cognitive Function (compared to standard care) after 2 years. Subjects will be monitored and assessed using a battery of Cognitive and psychological tests and PET scans to demonstrate glucose utilization in the relevant areas of the brain. This 3-year open-label study aims to recruit 360 subjects with 50% (180 subjects) randomized to receiving Intensive lifestyle intervention with Metformin (if diabetic) vs the other 50% who would receive only the usual standard level of care in the primary care setting.

A Pilot Clinical Trial of Exendin-4 in Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's DiseaseMild Cognitive ImpairmentBackground: Exendin-4 (or Exenatide) is a medication currently used to treat diabetes that has shown promising results in animal and cellular models of Alzheimer's disease. It is possible that Exendin-4 may be a treatment for Alzheimer's disease, which involves the gradual deterioration and death of neurons. Researchers are interested in studying the safety and comparing the effects of Exendin-4 with placebo on cognitive performance, clinical progression of dementia, various chemicals measured in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and brain MRI, in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Objectives: To determine the safety and tolerability of twice daily administration of Exendin-4, as well as to acquire preliminary evidence for effects on cognitive performance, clinical progression of dementia, various chemicals measured in blood and cerebrospinal fluid, and brain MRI, in individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Eligibility: Individuals at least 60 years of age who have objective evidence of early-stage Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment in screening testing. Design: Participants will be screened. Following the telephone screening, two in-person screening visits to determine eligibility. The screening visit will involve a medical history and neurological examination, tests of memory and cognition, a lumbar puncture, collection of blood and saliva samples, and brain Magnetic Resonance Imagine (MRI) studies. Participants will be required to appoint a Durable Power of Attorney for research and medical care during this protocol. Eligible participants will be divided into two groups (double-blind randomization). One group will receive Exendin-4 SC twice daily, and the other will receive a placebo. Participants will keep a medication diary and will be scheduled for additional study visits 1 and 2 weeks after the start of the treatment. Participants will have regular followup visits with blood tests, cognitive tests, imaging studies, and other examinations 6, 12, and 18 months after the start of the treatment. Another lumbar puncture may be performed optionally at the 18-month followup visit.

Non-cancer Pain and Cognitive Impairment: A Disabling Relationship
ArthritisPain1 moreTo compare the efficacy of long-acting oxycodone to extended-release acetaminophen in older persons with no and mild to moderate cognitive impairment and persistent moderate or higher intensity non-cancer lower extremity arthritis pain; and Describe the association of change in non-cancer pain self-report with an older adults functional status (BPI and WOMAC and brief physical performance measure) and to determine if cognitive status modifies this relationship.

Intranasal Glulisine in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and Probable Mild Alzheimer's Disease...
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentAlzheimer's Disease (AD)This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of intranasal (IN) glulisine in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and probable Alzheimer's disease. Half of participants will receive IN glulisine, while the other half will receive IN placebo.

Safety Study of HPP854 in Subjects With Mild Cognitive Impairment or a Diagnosis of Mild Alzheimer's...
Mild Alzheimer's DiseaseMild Cognitive ImpairmentThis is a safety and tolerability study investigating the effect of HPP854 in subjects with mild cognitive impairment or a diagnosis of mild Alzheimer's disease. The study will assess the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic relationships of HPP854 in plasma, pharmacodynamic relationship in cerebral spinal fluid and plasma concentration profiles for Amyloid-Beta.

Scoliosis Iron Supplementation Study
Adolescent Idiopathic ScoliosisNeuromuscular Scoliosis5 moreThis study is a randomized controlled trial of preoperative oral iron supplementation, to identify whether iron deficiency is a modifiable risk factor for adverse surgical outcomes such as red blood cell transfusion and diminished postoperative cognitive and physical capacity in adolescents undergoing scoliosis surgery. Research Question(s)/Hypothesis(es): Primary Iron supplementation will reduce the incidence of perioperative RBC transfusion in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion. Secondary Iron supplementation will reduce postoperative neurocognitive functional declines in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion. Iron supplementation will improve patient-reported physical functioning in iron deficient scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion.

Effects of IV-Administered Ca-DTPA and Zn-DTPA To Treat Patients With Gadolinium Deposition Disease...
HeadacheCognitive Disturbance2 morePurpose: There are two goals we have for this prospective single arm study; to see an increase in the amount of gadolinium in 24 hour urine collection following each infusion treatment with Calcium and Zinc DTPA, and to see a reduction or elimination of gadolinium deposition disease (GDD) symptoms. Participants: Twenty (20) patients who are suffering from gadolinium deposition disease (GDD) Procedures: Over a series of three (3) treatment time-points patients will be treated with IV Ca-DTPA on day one, and Zn-DTPA on day two.