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New IDEAS Study

New IDEAS Study
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New IDEAS (Imaging Dementia—Evidence For Amyloid Scanning) is a research study looking for better ways to diagnose and care for people with memory concerns by using medical brain imaging. This is a nationwide study for people from diverse backgrounds who are experiencing changes in their memory, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Diversity in clinical trials is vital, and the New IDEAS study seeks to ensure that its results represent all racial and ethnic groups. New Alzheimer's treatments must be safe and effective for everybody, regardless of race, ethnicity, age or gender. At least 4,000 of the projected 7,000 New IDEAS participants will be Black or African American and Hispanic or Latino. Historically, Black Americans and Hispanic Americans haven't been represented fully in Alzheimer's and dementia clinical studies.

New IDEAS is a study from the Alzheimer's Association and the American College of Radiology. The research study will use positron emission tomography (PET) scans, a type of medical brain imaging, to look at the buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain, which can block signals in the brain. The Alzheimer's Association will share the results with the Alzheimer's research community so that other researchers and clinicians can use these findings.

What you can expect if you participate

These studies are safe and your privacy is protected. As part of your participation, you will receive a PET scan. You and your physician will have access to your results, which may help you better understand your condition and plan treatment. The study calls for three doctors' visits. Study participants are only responsible for their deductible and coinsurance associated with the physician office visits. New IDEAS will enroll participants in up to 350 sites.

How to get involved in the New IDEAS study

If you or somebody you know has MCI or dementia, and you could benefit from participating, learn more on the study website or find a memory care doctor in your area.

If you represent an imaging facility or dementia practice and are interested in participating, please complete the feasibility questionnaire.

Questions? Call 866.507.7254 or email newideas-participant@alz.org. We can help guide you through the next steps to determine if this study is a good fit for you or your loved one.
 

New IDEAS study FAQs

Who is eligible?

Participants must meet the criteria for MCI or dementia due to Alzheimer's. If you or somebody you know receives Medicare and have been diagnosed with MCI or dementia or is concerned about changes in memory, a participating dementia specialist can evaluate you to determine whether this study is a good fit for you.  

If you're not eligible for New IDEAS

You can still participate in clinical trials to help advance Alzheimer's and dementia research. Use the free Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch® to find clinical studies near you.

Start TrialMatch

Why is the New IDEAS study being conducted?

New IDEAS examines how PET amyloid scanning, a kind of brain scan, can help physicians diagnose and treat Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. It will also examine biomarkers, which are changes that a disease might cause in the body that doctors can measure with tests like blood tests. Identifying biomarkers can help to diagnose or treat the disease.
 

What do participants have to do?

You would visit one of the participating doctors, have a PET amyloid scan and, three months later, have a follow-up visit with the doctor. You will receive in the mail a kit to collect saliva for a saliva test and will mail the kit back. You can also choose to give a blood sample; if you do, you will be paid $75. The process takes approximately three to six months.

PET scans and saliva tests are safe and non-invasive. Blood tests are also safe but optional. All of your information is covered by HIPAA, the law that ensures the privacy of your health information. You may choose to share your contact information with the Alzheimer's Association to learn about other studies, but this is optional as well. The study will not share your individual medical results. 
 

Why is this clinical study important?

This study is important because it studies dementia and Alzheimer's in a very diverse population and helps researchers understand how PET scans and biomarkers can be used to diagnose and treat Alzheimer's disease. 

It can help you personally because it can help confirm whether you or the person you provide care for have Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia. This will help you and your family plan for the future and help your physician and other medical caregivers plan your care. 


Why take part in clinical research?

Clinical research helps others, especially those who are your same age, race or ethnicity, and it may help you directly. 
 

What is a PET amyloid scan?

A PET scan — short for positron emission tomography — is an imaging technique that helps medical professionals visualize organs, including the brain, to detect and measure changes in the body. The amyloid-PET imaging technique can be used to detect amyloid buildup in the brain. The accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain is a biomarker and one of the hallmark brain changes of Alzheimer's disease. 

An amyloid PET scan is usually conducted at a hospital, major research center or a business that does imaging tests, and usually takes 1–2 hours to complete. Learn more about how an amyloid PET scan works and what to expect.
 

Join the New IDEAS Study

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