Vascular Reactivity Study in Dementia Patients and Age-Matched Controls

Study Purpose

The purpose of this research study is to determine if there are differences in blood flow between people diagnosed with age-related dementia and subjects of a similar age with no diagnosed dementia. The study is being funded by the American Heart Association and the Allen Foundation.

We are studying how blood delivers oxygen in your body. Good oxygen delivery depends upon little molecules made in the body called S-nitrosothiols (SNOs). We are developing methods to measure SNOs in blood and want to know if changes in brain function are related to reductions in SNO levels and perhaps reductions in blood flow.

Who Can Participate

• Participants 50 – 89 years old who have been diagnosed with age-related dementia may be eligible for this study.
• Participants 50 – 89 years old who have not been diagnosed with age-related dementia may be eligible to participate as a “healthy” participant in this study.