The 1Florida ADRC is a collaborative network of five partner institutions conducting innovative research into the early detection and causes of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on Florida’s diverse communities. We serve as a primary hub for investigating how environmental exposures and health conditions jointly influence brain health over time. 

Participation involves being followed every year over a long period to track changes in memory and thinking. You would complete detailed clinical evaluations and cognitive tests, and you may provide biospecimens (like blood) and undergo advanced brain imaging. The Center ensures all consents are handled according to local and state laws, especially for participants who may have cognitive impairment. 

Our focus is on enrolling older adults including those who have no memory complains, are in the very early stages of memory decline, or have already been diagnosed with dementia. We make a special effort to include older adults from all backgrounds, especially those who may be at a higher risk of dementia. 

Your participation creates invaluable, comprehensive data that is carefully studied and shared with other scientists across the country and the world. This collaboration enhances scientific productivity, promotes new research, and accelerates the search for treatments that will ultimately help future generations. 

No, all research-related evaluations, including specialized memory testing, imaging, and lab work that are part of our research protocols, are provided at no cost to the participant through federal and state research funding. 

All data collected is coded to protect your identity and managed through secure, HIPAA-compliant platforms. Information is shared with the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC) for research purposes, but personal identifying information is never released. 

Deidentified biological samples and brain images are stored in secure repositories to be used for current and future scientific studies. These materials allow researchers to analyze biomarkers and structural changes in the brain that help identify the earliest signs of disease. 

If you wish to learn about eligibility and how to enroll you can contact us. We look forward to connecting with you! 

No, a doctor’s referral is not required to participate in our research. We welcome individuals who are interested in contributing to brain health science, whether you have a specific memory concern or are simply interested in helping us understand brain aging.

Participation in our research program is completely independent of your health insurance. Because our work is supported by federal and state grants, all research-related evaluations including memory testing, blood work, and brain imaging are provided at no cost to you or your insurance provider.

Because this is a scientific study and not a medical check-up, we do not usually provide individual research results in a standard medical report. Our goal is to look at the “big picture” of health to help everyone, rather than treat specific conditions.

However, your safety is our top priority; if our study doctors find something that requires immediate medical attention, we will notify you right away. If you would like to discuss the general information we gathered during your visit, we are happy to meet with you upon request.

The 1Florida ADRC is part of a national network of Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers funded by the National Institute on Aging. While our specific program focuses on participants who live in our Florida-based sites, we can help connect you with a similar center closer to your home through the national network.