Clinical Research Directory

Phosphorylated Tau Levels in Donated Blood

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of tau pathology, and blood-based biomarkers such as phosphorylated tau-217 (pTau217) have been identified as sensitive and specific predictors of AD risk. Recent studies suggest that individuals with elevated pTau217 levels may be at increased risk for developing AD and cognitive dysfunction. This observational study will examine donated human plasma samples to determine whether some units of donated blood contain abnormally elevated pTau217 concentrations. The overarching goal is to evaluate whether transfusion of blood with higher pTau217 may pose risks to recipients and whether such units should be avoided in clinical use.

Remote tDCS and Chair Yoga for Chronic Knee Pain in Alzheimer's Patients

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a home-based, remotely supervised intervention combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and online chair yoga (OCY) to manage chronic knee pain in older adults with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Chronic knee pain is prevalent among individuals with ADRD and is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, contributing to neuropsychiatric symptoms, reduced quality of life, and increased caregiver burden. Current pharmacological options, such as opioids, pose risks of adverse events in this population. tDCS is a safe, noninvasive technique that uses low-intensity electrical current to modulate brain activity and may improve pain perception by targeting central mechanisms. Chair yoga is a mind-body intervention shown to improve pain and mood in older adults, including those with dementia. This study proposes that combining tDCS and OCY may have synergistic benefits in reducing pain and enhancing function. Participants will include older adults aged 60+ with mild to moderate ADRD and chronic knee pain, along with their caregivers. Over four weeks, participants will complete 14 supervised sessions of combined tDCS and OCY at home. Outcomes include feasibility, satisfaction, pain intensity, pain interference, neuropsychiatric symptoms, sleep disturbance, cognitive function, mobility, and quality of life. Neurophysiological measures (e.g., fNIRS, EEG, HF-HRV) will also be assessed to explore underlying mechanisms. This study seeks to lay the foundation for future large-scale randomized controlled trials of home-based nonpharmacological interventions for chronic pain in ADRD.