CURRENT STUDIES:
Speech Pattern Evaluation and Analysis for Knowledge of AD (SPEAK-AD)
The goal of the SPEAK-AD study is to validate changes in speech as a measure of cognition in individuals at increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). We will achieve this by inviting WRAP and ADRC participants to perform at-home speech tasks on a mobile application. The mobile application will record the participants’ speech as they complete the tasks, so it can be analyzed by speech and language researchers.
It is important to investigate speech and language because these have shown associations with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers. This study will clarify how speech may be affected by Alzheimer’s disease and may help us predict the likelihood that someone will develop dementia.
Study Commitment and Compensation
- Annual at-home speech collection sessions for 3 years.
- Each year an 8-week at-home speech collection period will be completed.
- One, 30-minute at-home speech collection session will be completed weekly for 8 consecutive weeks.
- At the end of the 8-week at-home speech collection period, there will be a brief survey.
- Speech collection sessions will take place remotely, in the comfort of your own home.
- All participants will be provided with an iPad to complete study procedures, which they will keep upon study completion as compensation.
- Internet access is not required for participation.
Participation Eligibility
- Currently enrolled in WRAP or ADRC.
- 40 – 80 years of age.
- Recently completed or will be completing routine WRAP or ADRC study visit.
- Have provided a blood sample to WRAP or ADRC.
Contact Information
Phone: 608-262-6904
Email: speakad.ccandl@wisc.edu
Check out the SPEAK-AD website for more information: https://speakad.studies.wisc.edu/
Over-the-counter hearing aid treatment for adults with cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD-OTC)
Untreated hearing loss can make it harder to connect with family and friends or navigate daily life. When we can’t hear clearly, we rely on our brains more to fill in the missing pieces. Even a mild hearing loss may mean our brain is working harder. New laws have made hearing aids available for purchase over-the-counter (OTC) if someone has a mild to moderate hearing loss. We want to know if OTC hearing aids are beneficial to listeners with changes to their thinking and memory skills. This study compares OTC hearing aids to learning and using communication strategies. Each participant will get both treatments, but the order in which they receive them will be randomly assigned.
Study Commitment and Compensation
Study participants will be given a pair of OTC hearing aids and asked to wear them each day for at least 4 weeks. You will also be counseled on ways to improve communication that do not rely on wearing hearing aids.
You and a communication partner will be part of the study for 8 weeks. During that time you will:
- Have your hearing tested
- Meet with a study team member by video link
- Complete some questionnaires about your communication abilities
- Make one visit to the UW Madison Campus to complete a communication task with your communication partner
If you participate in all study activities, you will receive up to $200 if you are the main participant and
$150 if you are the communication partner.
Participation Eligibility
- 60 – 90 years of age
- Have a close friend or family member who can participate with you.
- Have mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Are not a current hearing aid wearer.
- Have diagnosed changes to your thinking and memory skills.
- Speak English as your primary language.
Contact Information
Call: 847-467-0897
Email: halab@northwestern.edu
Website: https://halab.northwestern.edu
For more information on dementia research, please visit the ADRC Open Studies website and/or the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute’s website.