Detecting early Alzheimer's study seeks subjects

The first national study on detecting Alzheimer's disease before substantial memory loss occurs is seeking participants.

Northwestern University researchers want to enroll men and women aged 55 to 90 with early memory loss that doesn't affect daily living. People without memory problems also can enroll in a control group.

Researchers will use imaging techniques and biomarkers in blood and spinal fluid to track changes in the brain. The goal is to identify who is at risk for Alzheimer's, track disease progression and devise tests to measure the effectiveness of potential interventions.

Northwestern is one of several study sites led by the National Institute on Aging. The study is an expansion of the National Institutes of Health's Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.