New Optional Study Opportunities for APEX Participants
Apex
The Alzheimer’s Plasma Extension (APEX) Study is a multicenter, observational study on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related brain changes being conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and University of Southern California (USC). An observational study is where researchers look at (or observe) changes over time without any study treatments. In this study, researchers will look at changes in blood tests, memory, and other factors that may predict who will accumulate brain amyloid over time, as well as factors that may help preserve memory and thinking in older individuals who do not develop elevated amyloid levels.
The APEX Study consists of one in-person visit every year for four years in which blood samples, memory tests and questionnaires will be collected. Participation in this study will help researchers identify changes in blood tests, memory, and brain health that may occur years before people develop elevated brain amyloid and cognitive impairment and inform future clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease.
Pls: Reisa Sperling, MD, Paul Aisen, MD, Keith Johnson, MD
Duration: 4 years
NIA/NIH Grant #: TBD
Learn More
What is APEX?
The Alzheimer’s Plasma Extension (APEX) Study is a multicenter, observational study on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) related brain changes being conducted by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and University of Southern California (USC). An observational study is where researchers look at (or observe) changes over time without any study treatments.
In this study, researchers hope to learn about the factors that may preserve memory and thinking in older individuals who do not develop elevated amyloid levels in the brain. The APEX Study is currently recruiting by invitation only. If you have not been invited to participate and are interested in our studies, please visit our Alzheimer’s Studies and Trials page.
What is amyloid and how does it relate to Alzheimer’s disease?
Amyloid is a protein fragment that the body produces normally. With aging, and especially in AD, amyloid begins to accumulate in the brain forming amyloid plaque. Amyloid has been associated with an increased risk of memory loss and cognitive decline.
What is involved?
- One in-person visit every year for four years
- Blood samples, memory tests and questionnaires will be collected
What advantages does participation in the APEX Study offer?
- The APEX Study is an opportunity to be proactive about your brain health and help researchers make progress in finding future potential treatment for AD and other causes of dementia.
- Researchers will carefully monitor your brain health and it is an opportunity to ask questions related to your brain health.
- You may also learn of other research opportunities that you may be suitable for.
What to know about participating in the APEX Study?
- Participants may be reimbursed for their time
- Participant transportation may be provided for study-related visits
- Study participation and procedures at no cost to you
- No study partner needed
- Minimal yearly time commitment
- Data privacy is a top priority
New Optional Study Opportunities
We’re excited to share that APEX Study participants can now join two optional remote studies: The Habits and Social Factors Study and the Boston Remote Assessment for Neurocognitive Health (BRANCH).
- Easy Participation – These optional studies can be conveniently completed from home.
- Completely Optional – Participation in these studies is not required to remain in APEX, but we encourage participants to join and contribute to important research!
Habits and Social Factors Study
- The Habits and Social Factors Study is a short online questionnaire on topics such as diet, exercise, and social connections.
- It helps researchers explore how these factors impact memory, thinking, and blood markers over time.
- By recognizing and addressing social and environmental factors early, healthcare providers can potentially offer preventative and targeted interventions for those who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Boston Remote Assessment for Neurocognitive Health (BRANCH)
- The BRANCH Study is a short online assessment of memory, learning and thinking skills.
- BRANCH is aimed at identifying early memory changes linked to Alzheimer’s risk.
- The assessment was designed to identify subtle changes in cognitive function at a very early stage of the disease.
What advantages does participation in the Sub-studies offer?
- Contributes to Alzheimer’s research, helping advance scientific understanding.
- Provides flexibility, allowing participants to complete the studies from home at their convenience.
- Supports early detection efforts, integrating cognitive assessments to identify changes in the earliest stages of the disease.
Be proactive about your brain health. If you are an APEX volunteer and are interested in participating in a sub-study, please reach out to your local study staff team.