IHN in the Omaha World Herald

The Institute for Human Neuroscience (IHN) was featured in the Omaha World Herald on October 5th. See the published article below.

Institute for Human Neuroscience seeks participants for vital Alzheimer’s research

The Institute for Human Neuroscience (IHN) at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha is seeking individuals 55 years and older who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment to participate in a research study.

HOW YOU BENEFIT

Participants who qualify will receive a free amyloid PET scan in addition to being financially compensated for their time. Your participation in this vital research will help scientists find more cost-effective methods for helping diagnose individuals with Alzheimer’s, as current methods are costly and invasive. Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia, is a condition where people are unable to remember information and have difficulty performing daily activities. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease results from the presence and buildup of two proteins within the brain: amyloid and tau. As these proteins accumulate, they begin to interfere with and prevent normal brain functioning. As the disease progresses, memory and other brain functions continue to decline, eventually proving fatal.

WHY A PET SCAN IS IMPORTANT

There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, but early detection can help with treatment and support. An amyloid PET scan is the most reliable way to confirm Alzheimer’s, but it is expensive, with prices typically exceeding $8,000 in 2023. Scans are not generally covered by insurance. According to the National Institute of Health, a positive scan can lead to appropriate treatments that have been shown to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s. Additionally, having an amyloid PET scan can help qualify patients for newly approved treatments or allow them to participate in a clinical trial investigating new treatments.

HOW TO JOIN OUR STUDY

Individuals who are interested in participating in the study must have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s by a physician or neurologist. In addition to the PET scan, participants are expected to complete three visits at IHN on the Boys Town main campus. These visits would include an eligibility screening, questionnaires, mental assessments, an MRI scan, a MEG scan and a blood draw. Qualified participants will be financially compensated for each visit. For more information about the study, please contact Grant Garrison at grant.garrison@boystown.org or by phone at 531-355-8929. You can also visit diconlab.org/dmap to fill out the initial eligibility form, and someone will be in contact with you. If you are the caretaker for someone with Alzheimer’s, please feel free to contact us if the individual is unable to do so.

THE IHN’S CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH

The DICoN Laboratory at IHN, directed by Tony Wilson, Ph.D., is among the many research teams working hard to understand this disease. Dr. Wilson is a world-renowned neuroscientist who studies human brain health. Dr. Wilson and his team of researchers are particularly interested in identifying ways to diagnose Alzheimer’s and to measure the effectiveness of various treatment methods on Alzheimer’s patients. To learn more about the equipment we use in our research, including the MEG, a unique and powerful machine that the DICoN Lab specializes in, visit diconlab.org/about-our-studies.