Study Overview
- Principal Investigator: Bradford Dickerson, MD
- Sponsors: National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Conditions Studied: Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), cognitively normal (CN) control participants
Purpose of the Study
Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) and Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) are neurodegenerative diseases (diseases of the brain). There are currently no treatments for PPA or PCA. We are doing this study to find out if different tests and procedures can be used to diagnose, track, and treat these diseases in the future.
Study Details
It will take approximately three years to complete this research study. During this time, we will ask you to make 10-16 study visits. The number of study visits is dependent on your scheduling preferences. Some visits will take place at the MGH main campus, other visits will take place at the Charlestown MGH Navy Yard.
What to Expect
The following procedures will happen each year:
- A brief physical and neurological exam
- MRI brain scan
- Cognitive testing
- Language testing
The following procedures happen only during the baseline and 12-month visits:
- Amyloid PET brain scan
- Tau PET brain scan
Contact Information
If you are interested in learning more about this research study, please contact Ana Eustace (AEUSTACE@mgh.harvard.edu)