The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)—developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA)—is seeking 800 older adults to participate in a study to help identify biological markers of memory decline and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ultimately, scientists hope that brain and biological changes can be detected before memory decline and other symptoms appear.

Investigators at 58 local study sites across the U.S. and Canada will be inviting people ages 55 to 90 to become a part of this landmark research.

Scientists are looking for new ways to measure changes in the brain that occur with normal aging and with the progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a subtle but measurable transitional state between the cognitive changes of normal aging and very early AD. People with MCI have memory impairments but function well, and they do not meet clinical criteria for dementia.

The ADNI researchers will employ serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); positron emission tomography (PET) scans; measurement of various biological compounds in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine; and clinical and neuropsychological assessments to track MCI and early AD progression.

To find out more about participating in the research and obtain a list of study sites, call the NIA's Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center at 1-800-438-4380 or visit www.alzheimers.org/imagine.