The first step is finding a day for your visit that works best for both you and your study partner. Your comfort is our priority, and we want to make sure you feel rested and ready. Because the visit involves spending most of the day with us, we offer transportation to and from your appointment, if you need it. We will also send you a friendly reminder in the days leading up to your visit to help you prepare. 

Before any part of the research begins, we will sit down with you and your study partner to go over the Informed Consent process. This is not just a form to sign; it is a dedicated time for us to talk about exactly what will happen during your visits. Our team will explain the goals of the research, the types of tests we perform, and how we protect your private information. We want to make sure you have all the information you need to feel comfortable. This is the perfect time to ask any questions you might have. No question is too small. 

What you should know about consent: 

• You Are in Control: You can choose to skip any part of the study at any time. 
• It Is Voluntary: Choosing to participate is entirely up to you. If you decide to stop participating, it will not affect your regular medical care or your relationship with our doctors. 
• Clear Communication: We will explain everything in plain language, whether you prefer to speak in English or Spanish. 
• Ongoing Conversation: Consent isn’t just a one-time thing. We will continue to keep you informed about the research program every year you are with us. 

Our yearly memory check-ups are like detective work. While one test shows how your memory is doing today, seeing your progress year after year allows our scientists to identify shifts in how you process information. By understanding your “baseline,” or what is normal for you, we can better see the difference between healthy aging and the earliest signs of change. 

We look for early warning signals in the body through simple blood tests. These markers of disease, called “biomarkers,” can show us how your genetics, blood sugar, and kidney function might be related to brain health. These markers can sometimes signal changes years before symptoms appear, which is the key to finding better ways to prevent and treat disease. 

Using brain images, such as MRI and PET scans, we get a clear look inside the brain’s structure. These detailed images allow us to see the physical signs of brain health and check for specific proteins that are often linked to Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.    

We view our participants as partners for life. One year of data only shows represents a snapshot of your health. However, collecting data at different stages through the years allows us to see how things change and helps us prove what is actually causing those changes. By returning for your follow-up visits each year, you help us build a complete story of brain health.