Volunteers wanted for novel Alzheimer’s disease research study! We are enrolling individuals who have mild cognitive impairment or mild stage dementia.
What is this study about?
The intestinal wall performs the delicate function of selectively allowing dietary nutrients into the body while keeping out unwanted substances and invaders — this property is called gut permeability. Prior studies suggest that changes in the populations of microbes that live in the gut (i.e., micro-biome) occur in humans with Alzheimer’s disease and that these changes influence the pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This new study is examining if gut permeability may play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.
What is involved?
Qualified volunteers will undergo:
• Diet questionnaires
• Physical exam
• COVID19 antigen rapid test
• Fasting blood draw
• Stool sample collection
• Gut permeability urine test
*Participants will collect urine over 24 hours after drinking a solution with different sugars. Minor diet restrictions apply for the procedure, and participants will be asked to complete a food diary.
Who can participate?
• At least 40 years old
• People in good general health
• Participating in the Wisconsin ADRC clinical core
Will I be paid for volunteering?
Individuals who participate in the study will be compensated: $245.
How does the gut affect the brain and Alzheimer’s disease?
While studies have shown there is a link between gut microbes and people with Alzheimer’s disease, the exact mechanism of how the gut affects the brain is unclear.
However, several things are known:
• An altered gut microenvironment may increase gut permeability, allowing unwanted toxic or inflammatory molecules through the intestinal wall and into the body.
• The increased gut permeability can lead to increased inflammation risk elsewhere in the body.
• There is a strong link between Alzheimer’s disease and inflammation in and around the brain.
Taken together, these suggest the importance of examining gut permeability in Alzheimer’s disease. We need your help to find out!
Volunteer
Participating in this research study is completely voluntary. Even if you choose to volunteer, you can choose to leave the study at any time.
Questions or want to participate?
Contact Alfred Eiji Braceros if you want to volunteer or have any questions.
