How to Participate in Memory Research Nationwide  

One of the best ways to learn what scientists know about human memory is to get involved as a volunteer research subject. Scientists who study memory are always looking for new participants. This includes people with specific kinds of memory impairments as well as people whose memory is "normal" for their age group. Often all that is required is a few hours of simple memory tests. Participants may be paid for their time, and many people find the experience interesting and educational. By contacting a particular research group, you can learn more about the aspect of memory being studied, what the tests entail, and whether you qualify to participate. One of the best ways to learn what scientists know about human memory is to get involved as a volunteer research subject. Scientists who study memory are always looking for new participants. This includes people with specific kinds of memory impairments as well as people whose memory is "normal" for their age group. Often all that is required is a few hours of simple memory tests. Participants may be paid for their time, and many people find the experience interesting and educational. By contacting a particular research group, you can learn more about the aspect of memory being studied, what the tests entail, and whether you qualify to participate.

Find the location that is nearest to you if you are willing to participate in memory research:

         Rutgers University-Newark (Newark, NJ)

         University of California at San Diego (San Diego, CA)

         Kessler Medical Rehabilitation (Orange, NJ)

         Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center (New York, NY)

         The Memory Impairment Study (Various Locations in the United States & Canada)

         Cognitive Neuroscience Studies at the NINDS (Bethesda, MD)

         Comprehensive Services on Aging (COPSA) (Edison, NJ)

         Cognitive Neuroscience Studies at University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

 

Memory Disorders Project at Rutgers-Newark

Principal Investigator:

    Mark Gluck, Ph.D.

Person to Contact to Participate:

    James Lee, B.A.
    Memory Disorders Project Coordinator
    Memory Disorders Project at Rutgers-Newark
    197 University Avenue
    Newark, NJ 07102

    973-353-1080x3222
    jtlee@pavlov.rutgers.edu

Web Pages:

Types of Participants Needed:

  • People with hippocampal damage
  • People with anterograde amnesia
  • People who have stable (non-progressive) memory disturbances and those who have had aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery
  • We also are interested in participants with no prior neurological history or significant psychiatric history to serve as control subjects.

University of California at San Diego

Principal Investigator:

    Larry R. Squire, Ph.D.

Person to Contact to Participate:

    Joyce Zouzounis
    858-552-8585 x7128
    joyce@whoville.ucsd.edu

Types of Participants Needed:

    Neurological patients with conditions of stable (not declining, such as Alzheimer's disease) memory impairment.

Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation

Principal Investigator:

    John DeLuca, Ph.D., ABPP
Person to Contact to Participate:
    Dr. John DeLuca
    Director of Neuroscience Research
    Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Corporation
    1199 Pleasant Valley Way
    West Orange, NJ 07052

    973-243-6974
    delucajo@umdnj.edu

Web Page:

Types of Participants Needed:
  • People who have had aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Strokes/aneurysms
  • We work primarily with adults (approximately 18-65).
    We also are interested in participants no prior neurological history or significant psychiatric history to serve as control subjects. We commonly pay research participants.

The New York University Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center

Person to Contact to Participate:

    Steven Ferris, M.D.

    The Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center
    NYU Medical Center
    550 First Ave., Room THN 314
    New York, NY 10016

    General Study Information
    • Clinical Coordinator ‚ (212) 263-8088
    Early Screening Test for Alzheimer's Disease
    • Jon Marrelli or Elissa Thorn ‚ (212) 263-7563
    • marrej01@med.nyu.edu
    Innovative Treatment Program For Alzheimer's Disease Patients and Caregivers
    • Helene Bergman ‚ (212) 263-1027
    Pharmaceutical Studies for Alzheimer's Disease
    • Martha Shapiro -- (212) 263-5708
    Autopsy Research Program
    • (212) 263-6262

Web Page:

Types of Participants Needed:
    There are a number of different research studies being conducted at the NYU ADRC. Older individuals with different levels of cognitive impairments (from normal through severely impaired) are needed to participate in these studies. Some studies include medical and behavioral testing, while other studies involve treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. Still other studies entail brain autopsy.

The Memory Impairment Study

Principal Investigator:

    Leon J. Thal, M.D.
Person to Contact to Participate:
    The Memory Impairment Study is an important research study of older Americans and mild cognitive impairment. This Study is the first National Institutes of Health Alzheimer's disease (AD) trial, which holds promise for medical intervention and protection against the onset of memory loss associated with AD.

    The three-year research study, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study at the University of California, San Diego, will enroll 720 participants at 60-80 sites across the United States and Canada.

Call to Find Out More
  • (888) 455-0655
Web Page:

Types of Participants Needed:

    Individuals may be able to join if they are:
    • Between 55 and 90 years old.
    • Have a clear memory complaint or difficulty but continue to function normally in daily life.
    • Have a loved one or caregiver who can serve as companion for the length of participation in the research study.

Cognitive Neuroscience Studies at the NINDS (Bethesda, MD)

Person to Contact to Participate:

    Jordan Grafman, Ph.D.
    Chief, Cognitive Neuroscience Section
    National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
    Building 10; Room 5C205
    10 Center Drive; MSC 1440
    Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1440

    Phone: 301-496-0220
    Fax: 301-480-2909
    E-Mail: grafmanj@ninds.nih.gov

Web Page:

Types of Participants Needed:

    Scientists at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) studying neurobehavior are seeking patients with severe isolated memory disorders due to anoxia, encephalitis, stroke, and other neurological or behavioral disorders. Amnesia patients who are otherwise intellectually unimpaired are especially needed.

    Patients should be 18 to 65 years old and without immune, respiratory, renal, hepatic, or gastrointestinal disease. Exceptions to this age range may be made given extraordinary clinical presentation. Only patients residing in the United States are eligible to participate in these studies.

    The studies will be conducted at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, and will include neuropsychological testing, neuroimaging, and related evaluations. All study-related expenses will be paid by the NIH.

Comprehensive Services on Aging (COPSA) Institute for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (Edison, NJ)

Person to Contact to Participate:

    Mary Anne Ross
    COPSA Resource Center
    University Behavioral Health Care
    100 Metroplex Drive, Suite 200
    Edison, NJ 08817

    Phone: (800) 424-2494
            (732) 235-4356
    e-mail brokenma@cmhc.umdnj.edu

Web Page:

Types of Participants Needed:

    COPSA serves people with dementia, their families, and the professionals who work with them. We offer counseling, information, and referral to services in the community.

    COPSA services include: Clinical Drug Trials; Diagnostic Clinic; Dementia Management Clinic; Dementia Day Care; Huntington's Disease Service Center; Outpatient Geriatric Services for older adults suffering from depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders; and a Geriatric Outreach program. In addition our staff provides consultations and trainings to professionals, agencies and facilities on different aspects of aging and dementia.

Cognitive Neuroscience Studies at University of California, Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

Principal Investigators:

    Dr. Robert Knight, M.D.
    Dr. Richard Ivry, Ph.D.
    Dr. Art Shimamura, Ph.D.
    Dr. Mark D'Esposito, M.D.
    Dr. Lynn Robertson, Ph.D.

Person to Contact to Participate:
    Ms. Christina Middleton
    Department of Psychology
    MC 1650
    University of California
    Berkeley, CA 94720

    Phone: (510) 642-7146
        Fax:(510) 642-5293
    e-mail cmiddle@socrates.berkeley.edu
Web Page (links to general program and scientists):

Types of Participants Needed:

    Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley conduct studies on many aspects of brain function including the study of memory, language, attention, motor control, and executive control. Our studies involve patients who have suffered stroke, brain tumors, or other neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson's disease). Amnesia patients who are otherwise intellectually unimpaired are especially needed.

    Participants should be 18 to 65 years old. The studies will be conducted at laboratory facilities on the UC, Berkeley campus or at the VA Medical Center in Martinez, CA. Studies DO NOT involve invasive procedures or alterations in medication programs.

    The research projects are supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Participants are paid for their time and travel expences.