A new study that could revolutionize how help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease is looking for local volunteers in California.
Michael Weiner, an expert on the disease, says the sixth leading cause of death in Americans affects more than 210,000 people in California and the number of residents diagnosed with the disease could triple by 2050. But Alzheimer's is notoriously difficult to diagnose.
"One of the concerns that older people have is they start to notice that their brain isn't working as well as when they were younger is: Do I have Alzheimer's disease or not? So, what we need are tests," Weiner said.
The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative is looking for local volunteers with and without memory problems. Researchers with the ADNI Study will use neuroimaging to see how the brain changes before and after being dianosed with Alzheimer's
"Our entire study is aimed to find diagnostic tests that determine the presence of Alzheimer's in the brain, and predict whether or not somebody's going to have a problem in the future," Weiner said.
Weiner says the study will help researchers understand the progression of the disease and bring doctors closer to a cure and that volunteers don't have to commit to a lot of work.
"You take some test of your memory function, and then you have bloodwork done with a little venipuncture and have some scans," he added.
Those interested in volunteering for the study can find more information at the ADNI study website at Adni3.org. People are also encouraged to call 1-888-223-6495 for more information.