What is the NAPS Study?
The Neurodegeneration-Associated Psychiatric Syndromes (NAPS) study is an observational study to look at how dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease) can affect mood and behavior. Participation involves a one-time, remote visit lasting 2-3 hours and a one-time in-person visit lasting 2-3 hours. Alternatively, the visit could be a one-time, in-person visit lasting 4-5 hours where participants will be asked to answer questions about their recent mood and emotions and to complete an optional MRI scan and blood draw.
What is the purpose of the NAPS?
The purpose of this study is to better understand how diseases like Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) can cause changes in people’s mood, emotions, and behaviors and to understand how changes in the structure and function of the brain are related to these neuropsychiatric symptoms. This will be accomplished by completing questionnaires with the participant and their study partner, taking memory and thinking skill tests, receiving a physical exam and undergoing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Eligibility
Men and women between the ages of 40-90 years old, who speak English or Spanish and who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another related dementia, as well as healthy individuals who do not have any diagnosed memory issues. Compensation will be provided to eligible participants.
Those who are interested can contact the Memory and Aging Program Outreach Team at 401-455-6402 or by sending an email to memory@butler.org to discuss additional eligibility criteria.