Learning from You
The 1Florida ADRC relies on a well-characterized longitudinal cohort a dedicated group of people we follow over many years to understand how the brain ages. We partner with volunteers across the entire cognitive spectrum, from those with healthy memory to those with a current diagnosis or more advanced disease.
The journey of aging is something we all share, yet there is still so much to discover about how the brain stays resilient. We believe that the best way to understand the complexities of Alzheimer’s and related dementias is to learn directly from those who are living through these years. Every person’s story adds a layer of understanding that helps us see the full picture of aging. By participating, you help us move toward a future where we can all age with greater health and independence.
| Participation Group | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|
| People with No Memory Concerns | To understand what “healthy aging” looks like, we need to study brains that are working well. This helps researchers find the natural signs of health and learn what might protect the brain over time. |
| People with Early Memory Changes | Learning about the very first signs of memory change helps us test new ways to spot the disease sooner. This stage is also key to studying if new treatments can slow down changes before they advance. |
| People Living with Dementia | This group helps researchers understand the later stages of the disease. Their participation is necessary for testing new treatments and finding better ways to provide care and support. |
| Study Partners | A study partner is someone who knows the participant well. Because they see the participant in daily life, they provide a full picture of how the brain is functioning. This is a required part of the research process. |
The 1Florida ADRC welcomes older adults from all walks of life, including those who are aging healthily, those noticing small memory changes, and those already living with dementia. Many people choose to join our research before they have any memory concerns at all. By studying the brain before significant changes happen, researchers can better understand the early signs of health and resilience. The information we gather from everyone involved helps us learn what predicts changes in the brain over time.
This knowledge is a necessary step in finding effective ways to protect memory and develop treatments as early as possible.
The Participant’s Journey
Every medical breakthrough begins with a single person’s willingness to participate in scientific research. By joining the 1Florida ADRC, you become a long-term partner on a mission to help us map the complexities of the aging brain. Your involvement provides the consistent, annual follow up data needed to allow our scientists to better understand what normal aging versus the earliest signals of brain disease is. Whether you have healthy memory or are noticing changes, your contributions are essential to our mission: To contribute to a world where Alzheimer’s can be accurately diagnosed, effectively treated and ultimately cured.
Participant Frequently Asked Questions
Joining a research study is a significant decision for you and your family, and we believe that being fully informed is the best way to start. We have put together these common questions to clarify our procedures, from how we handle your privacy to what actually happens during a research visit. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and comfortable as a partner in our work. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, we encourage you to reach out. Our team is always available to provide the clear, evidence-based information you need.
Participant Resources
The 1Florida ADRC is your gateway to a statewide and national network of support and scientific excellence. We have curated these resources to connect you with the most trusted clinical care, education, and community services available in Florida and across the country. Whether you are looking for local caregiver support or want to follow the latest national research updates, these tools are designed to empower you with knowledge that you can trust. Explore our network of partners to find the specialized care and information that is right for your family’s unique needs. Access Our Network
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