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For Participants

Cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Importantly, these risk factors can be modified through lifestyle changes (like exercise) or medications (blood pressure and cholesterol therapies). Many researchers and health care providers believe “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.” However, stronger scientific evidence is needed to prove it and that is why the Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s (rrAD) trial is being conducted.

In the rrAD study, we are identifying individuals who may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease based on their having (1) high blood pressure and (2) a family history of dementia in a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) or concerns that their own memory has changed compared to past performance.

The rrAD study is testing if aerobic exercise alone or combined with reducing blood pressure and cholesterol through intensive medical management will reduce the risk of cognitive changes over two years compared to the current standard approach for medical management of blood pressure and cholesterol.

Individuals may qualify for the rrAD study if they meet all the following criteria:

  • 60 to 85 years of age
  • Have concerns about their memory or have a first-degree relative (parent or sibling) with a diagnosis of dementia
  • Have high blood pressure
  • Willing to participate for two years in an aerobic exercise program and/or medication management of blood pressure and blood cholesterol level
  • Have a primary care physician at the time of screening

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the rrAD study, please contact one of the following rrAD study sites near you:

Pennington Biomedical Research Center
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Local call: 225-763-2973
Toll free call: 877-276-8306
Email: dementia@pbrc.edu
Website: http://idrp.pbrc.edu

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas
Dallas, Texas

Tristyn Hall
Call: 214-345-4665
Email: ieembrain@texashealth.org
Website: http://www.ieemphd.org/cerebrovascular-laboratory

University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Kansas City, Kansas

Angela Van Sciver
Call: 913-588- 0555
Email: KUAMP@kumc.edu
Website: http://www.KUAlzheimer.org

Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri

Monica Sewell
Call: 314-286- 2716
Email: sewellm@wustl.edu
Website: https://medicine.wustl.edu/