Join the Brain Health Registry
Help us find new treatments for Alzheimer’s and dementia! Our interest form only takes 5 minutes to complete. By signing up, you could qualify for our registry that matches community members to exciting research studies.
Together we can advance dementia research and shape treatments that meet the needs of your community.
What is the Brain Health Registry?
The Brain Health Registry is a confidential list of volunteers who want to be contacted to participate in brain health research. Its purpose is to connect scientists doing research studies with Registry members who can help.
The Brain Health Registry is part of the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research at the University of Delaware.
How does the Registry work?
Community members can join the Brain Health Registry to participate in research about brain health. The Registry collects health information from these adults aged 45 and older, to help identify research studies they may qualify for.
When University of Delaware scientists need participants for a specific study, they ask the Delaware Center for Cognitive Aging Research to connect them with eligible people from the Registry.
This process helps researchers quickly find participants who meet their study requirements, speeding up research and discoveries!
Why should I join a research study?
Join the Brain Health Registry to help increase representation from your community in brain health research. This ensures that discoveries and treatments address the unique needs of your community.
Your participation could also help find cures or develop treatments for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. You will help researchers understand how brain health is affected by factors like physical activity, nutrition, sleep, hearing health, and more.
Confidentiality
The Brain Health Registry is overseen by the University of Delaware’s Internal Review Board. Qualified researchers at the University conduct all cognitive testing.
Your privacy is a top priority. We keep all Registry information confidential and secure. Participation is voluntary, and you can choose to withdraw at any time.
Get started in a few simple steps!
Here’s what to expect:
Submit an Interest Form
This is how adults ages 45+ let us know they want to help, and that it is okay for us to contact them about research studies. Click here to submit an Interest Form today!
Phone Call to Check Eligibility
We will call you to confirm the eligibility requirements listed on the Interest Form (also listed at the bottom of this page).
Free Memory Screening
30-40 minutes, on the phone or in-person.
Enrollment in the Brain Health Registry & Study Selection
Based on your memory screening, we may suggest a current study or contact you later for a future study. Joining the Registry will help us stay connected, and participation is always your choice.
Eligibility requirements are in place for the Brain Health Registry. Unfortunately, not every older adult will be eligible, but requirements may change in the future based on our collaborations, so if you are not eligible now please check back.
To qualify for a research study, participants must:
- be aged 45 years or older.
- live within a 2-hour drive from the University of Delaware.
- be able to speak and understand spoken English.
- not have significant cognitive problems that impact independent living and possess the capacity to provide informed consent without a Legally Authorized Representative.
- have adequate vision to read an average restaurant menu.
- have sufficient hearing to engage in conversation in a quiet room (hearing aids are acceptable)
- not have the following health conditions:
- Stroke or brain hemorrhage
- Autoimmune conditions that can affect cognitive functioning (e.g., multiple sclerosis; giant cell arteritis)
- Brain Tumor
- Any progressive neurological disorder not related to Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (e.g., Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, ALS, etc.)
- Developmental or genetic conditions causing cognitive delays (e.g., Down syndrome)
- Substance use disorder within the last 12 months
- Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
- Hydrocephalus, including normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Questions?
Contact us at memorycenter@udel.edu