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. The study plans to have 350 locations.
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.
New IDEAS study FAQs
Who is eligible?
Participants must meet the criteria for mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's. If you or somebody you know receives Medicare and have been diagnosed with
mild cognitive impairment 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 to 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, 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 would 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 your privacy with 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.
Pass the ENACT Act
Help the Alzheimer’s Association address underrepresentation in Alzheimer’s and dementia clinical trials. The bipartisan ENACT Act would help expand education and outreach to these populations, encourage the diversity of clinical trial staff and reduce participation burden.
Contact Congress Now
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 PET amyloid scanning?
PET amyloid scanning shows whether you have amyloid proteins in your brain, how much you have and where it is located. People with Alzheimer's disease have a buildup of amyloid in their brains.
Before the scan, you will receive an IV that will deliver a harmless substance that will temporarily show any amyloid in your brain. The scanner will then take a picture of the amyloid. The process takes about one to two hours. You do not have to stop eating and can take your regular medications.
Join the Study