Apathy and Reward Systems in Alzheimer’s Disease

This study seeks to understand cognitive and brain changes related to apathy (loss of interest and motivation) in early Alzheimer’s disease versus depression.

Recruiting men and women ages 65 to 85 who have:

• Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment

or

• Depression

Participation involves:

• 4 to 7 appointments at UConn Health.
• One-time blood draw.
• Interviews and evaluations.
• Testing of thinking and memory.
• One-time MRI brain scan.
• No cost for participation.
• During COVID-19, most appointments can be done remotely

Payment to participants includes $100 at completion of the baseline assessment, $100 at completion of the 12-month assessments, and $75 at completion of the 24-month assessments for a total of up to $285 for the 2-year study.

Principal Investigator: David Steffens, M.D., Department of Psychiatry

IRB Number: 19-214-1

Enrollment end date: August 1, 2022