Aging and Dementia Research

Alzheimer disease, neurons with amyloid plaques

In collaboration with other institutes and centers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, as well as local, national, and international research partners, we remain dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. Our research involves basic scientific studies of the molecular and genetic basis of neurodegeneration, neuropathological studies, imaging studies of the brain, and observational and clinical trials of approved and experimental drugs and natural supplements.

Areas of Research

  • Aging and dementia
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Behavioral, cognitive and emotional effects of neurological disorders
  • Biomarkers of risk and progression in Alzheimer's disease
  • Brain imaging
  • Chronic traumatic encephalopathy
  • Corticobasal syndrome
  • Corticobasal ganglionic degeneration
  • Dementia
  • Early onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD)
  • Frontotemporal dementia
  • Frontotemporal lobar degeneration
  • Genetic epidemiology of Alzheimer's disease
  • Huntington's disease
  • Late onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD)
  • Lewy body disease
  • Neural degeneration and repair
  • Neurobiology of disease
  • Neurobiology of learning and memory
  • Neuropsychiatry
  • Neuropsychiatry/cognitive disorders
  • Pick's disease
  • Post-concussion syndrome
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy
  • Vascular dementia

Centers/Initiatives/Collaborations

All of our Division of Aging and Dementia faculty hold joint appointments in the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain and the Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, two investigative centers whose goal it is to uncover the causes of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia with Lewy bodies, frontotemporal dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders, and to discover ways to try to prevent and cure these diseases. 

Studies and Trials

Currently Recruiting

Mild Cognitive Impairment / Alzheimer’s Disease: AMARANTH AZD3293(LY3314814) (Lilly/AstraZeneca)

An Efficacy and Safety Study of LY3314814 in Early Alzheimer's Disease (AMARANTH)
Phase 2/3. Oral Medication. Once Daily. Duration: 24 months. NCT02245737.
Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)/Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). MMSE 20-30. Age 55-85.
(Dr. Honig) For more information, please contact Katrina Cuasay (212) 305-2077, Ruth Tejeda (212) 305-7661, Evelyn Dominguez (212) 305-2371.

Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment / Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease: BACE Inhibitor (Merck MK-8931)

A Phase III, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Group, Double-Blind Clinical Trial to Study the Efficacy and Safety of MK-8931 (SCH 900931) in Subjects with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease (Prodromal AD).
Phase 2/3. Oral Medication. Duration:  about 18 months. NCT01953601.
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment/Prodromal Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). MMSE 24-30. Age 50-85.
(Dr. Kreisl) For more information, contact Katrina Cuasay (212) 305-2077, Ruth Tejeda (212) 305-7661, Evelyn Dominguez (212) 305-2371.

Alzheimer's Disease: STARSHINE: idalopirdine [LuAE58054] (Lundbeck)

Study of Lu AE58054 in Patients with Mild-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease Treated with Donepezil.
Phase 3. Oral Medication. Once daily. Duration:  6 months with 6 months OLEX. NCT01955161.
Mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s Disease. (AD) on stable donepezil. MMSE 12-22. Age >= 50.
(Dr. Honig) For more information, contact Katrina Cuasay (212) 305-2077, Ruth Tejeda (212) 305-7661, Evelyn Dominguez (212) 305-2371.

Normal At-Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Presymptomatic): A4 solanezumab (ADCS/Lilly)

Clinical Trial of Solanezumab for Older Individuals Who May be at Risk for Memory Loss (A4)
Phase 3. Intravenous Medication. Duration: about 36 months. NCT02008357.
Normal individuals with brain amyloid pathology. MMSE 27-30 (25-30 for education <12 yrs). Age 65-85.
(Dr. Bell) For more information, please contact Katrina Cuasay (212) 305-2077, Ruth Tejeda (212) 305-7661, Evelyn Dominguez (212) 305-2371.

Alzheimer’s Disease: lithium (NIA)

Treatment of Psychosis and Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Phase 2. Oral Medication: lithium or placebo. Duration: 12 weeks. NCT02129348.
Possible or Probable Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). MMSE 5-26. Age 55-95.
(Dr. Devanand) For more information, contact Evan Chunga (646) 774-7202, Cody Lentz (646) 774-7204.

Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment/Alzheimer’s Disease: donepezil (NIA)

Olfactory Deficits and Donepezil Treatment in Cognitively Impaired Elderly.
Phase 4. Oral Medication. Duration: about 12 months. NCT01951118.
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Probable Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). MMSE 18-30. Age 55-95.
(Dr. Devanand) For more information, contact Evan Chunga (646) 774-7202, Cody Lentz (646) 774-7204.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: C2N-8E12-WW-104 (C2N)

A Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled, Single Ascending Dose Study to Assess the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of C2N-8E12 in Subjects With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Phase 1. Intravenous Medication. Duration: about 4 months. NCT02494024.
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Age 50-85.
(Dr. Honig) For more information, contact Katrina Cuasay (212) 305-2077, Ruth Tejeda (212) 305-7661, Evelyn Dominguez (212) 305-2371.

Huntington’s Disease: LEGATO-HD (Teva)

A Clinical Study in Subjects with Huntington's Disease to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Three Oral Doses of Laquinimod.
Phase 2. Oral Medication. Duration: 12 months. NCT02215616.
Mild Huntington’s Disease (HD). Age 21-55.
(Dr. Janicki) For more information, please contact Paula Wasserman (212) 305-4597, Ronda Clouse (212) 305-2387.

 

Genetic and Observational Studies Currently Recruiting

Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: Cognitive Control in Older Adults

Observational study. A modified Sternberg item-recognition task.
Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. Duration: 75 minutes. Age 55-80.
(Dr. Stern) For more information, please contact Teal Eich (212) 854-7015.

Alzheimer's Disease: Assessment and Characterizationof Naming in Older Adults with Epilepsy and PAD

Probable Alzheimer's Disease. MMSE 19-25. Age 56-90. Duration: 90 minutes.
(Dr. Hamberger/Dr. Honig) For more information, please contact call Alicia Williams (212) 305-1801.

Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)

The main objective of this study is to learn about brain changes that may occur on people who carry a genetic mutation which causes early onset Alzheimer disease. These participants will receive an annual follow up before they present any symptoms and includes evaluations, mental status testing, MRI and PET scans, blood assays with genetic studies and assays of cerebrospinal fluids.
For more information, please contact Dolly Reyes-Dumeyer (212) 305-5953.

Late Onset Alzheimer Disease Study (LOAD)

The purpose of this study is to identify genes that may increase the risk for developing Alzheime's disease (AD). We are seeking families with at least two living siblings diagnosed with AD who are 60 years or older.
For more information, please contact Pedro Mena (212) 305-2309.

The Study of Alzheimer Disease in Caribbean Hispanic Families

The purpose of this study is to identify genes that may increase the risk for developing Alzheime's disease (AD). We are seeking families and/or individuals who are 60 years or older, with or without memory problems.
For more information, please contact Angel Piriz (212) 305-2309.

Longitudinal Evaluation of Familial Frontotemporal Dementia (LEFFTDS)

This research study aims to identify the most reliable methods to track disease progression in familial Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) so that clinical trials can be designed appropriately. Members of families in whom at least one member has a known mutation in the MAPT (tau), PGRN (progranulin), or C9orf72 (C9) genes are invited to participate. NCT02372773
For more information, contact Masood Manoochehri at (212) 305-5710 or mm2626@cumc.columbia.edu.

Advancing Research and Treatment for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (ARTFL)

The ARTFL consortium supports multiple research projects centered around frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Eligible participants may include both individuals diagnosed with an FTLD disorder as well as healthy members of families with an FTLD disorder, such as Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Degeneration Syndrome (CBD), or Frontotemporal Dementia with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (FTD-ALS). NCT02365922
For more information, contact Masood Manoochehri at 212-305-5710 or mm2626@cumc.columbia.edu.

Early Symptoms of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration

This research study seeks to evaluate the earliest signs of Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration and whether lifestyle can modify the progression of the disease. This study is seeking volunteers from families in whom at least one member has a confirmed MAPT mutation of FTLD (also known as the "tau" gene).
For more information, please contact Gayathri Cheran at (212) 305-1561 or gc2646@cumc.columbia.edu.

Brain Donation Program: “Give the Gift of Knowledge”

Brain donation allows valuable information to be obtained regarding normal aging and diseases that affect memory. This information may be useful towards the goal of developing more effective treatment strategies. If you or a family member wish to learn more about this program.
For more information, please contact Arlene Lawton, RN at (212) 305-9086.

Lucy G. Moses Center for Memory and Behavioral Disorders

Changes in memory and thinking abilities can occur from a variety of conditions, not just Alzheimer’s disease. Taub Institute specialists offer a thorough multidisciplinary evaluation of memory and thinking difficulties. We are located at The Neurological Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, 3rd Floor, New York.
For appointments, please call (212) 305-6939.

Faculty