MRI of Brain Waste Clearance Study

The purpose of this study is to collect brain scans and blood samples that will provide information about the brain’s waste clearance system. Researchers will evaluate applications of this knowledge to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. The study aims to shed light on the unique physiology of the systems behind the brain’s clearance mechanism as a function of both sexual dimorphism and age.

Who can participate?

We are seeking individuals in the age ranges of 18-35 or 55+ years who are able to participate in an evening MRI scan.

What will happen in this study?

This study consists of two in person visits to the Waisman Center within one month. One visit will include a blood draw, answering questionnaires and a cognitive testing session. The other visit will be an evening MRI scanning session. Participants will be asked to keep a sleep diary and wear a wrist-based sleep monitoring device for seven days prior to the MRI scan.

Procedure Schedule

Visit A at Waisman CenterBefore Visit BVisit B at Waisman Center
  • Blood draw
  • Cognitive testing
  • Vital sign collection
  • Questionnaire administration
  • In the seven days leading up to visit B, complete at-home sleep diary entries and sleep monitoring via a wrist-based device
  • MRI scan during an evening visit

Will I be paid for participating in this study?

Yes, you will be paid for participating.

  • $30 for a blood sample
  • $30 for completing the cognitive testing and questionnaires
  • $30 for completing the 7-day at-home sleep diary and monitoring
  • $150 for the evening MRI scanner session

The maximum payment for completing all parts of the study is $240.

How can I participate in this study?

If you are interested in being in this study, please complete this participation survey.

Questions?

Contact the study team by emailing brainsleep@waisman.wisc.edu or calling (608) 516-3232.

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Headshot of Mary-Elizabeth Pasquesi
Senior Clinical Research Coordinator

Study Co-Principal Investigators

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andy alexander phd
Professor
Department of Medical Physics
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portrait of Barbara Bendlin PhD
Professor
Department of Medicine
Division of Geriatrics and Gerontology