Participants
Information for participants and those interested in participating

The Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) is an observational study that aims to find out whether the changes that a doctor sometimes sees on a brain scan are related to early memory changes that occur in older healthy adults. In this study, we will use several imaging (picture taking) techniques to study the structure and function of the brain, and to detect the presence of a protein called amyloid which is found in aging and in early Alzheimer’s disease (an illness affecting memory and thinking).
The HABS principal investigators are fully committed to increase diversity in Alzheimer’s disease research. We are now conducting appropriate examinations of older Spanish-speaking Latinos. Further, in the past years, HABS bilingual investigators have been actively involved in community outreach activities, and have maintained a constant presence in Latino communities. We hope to enroll a subsample of 40 older Latinos/as into HABS over the next 2 years.
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Featured Content
Food for Thought – Mental Note: Issue 10 – October 2020
The importance of memory complaints in the early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease, with Dr. Rebecca Amariglio, PhD. Also includes The Mental Note – Issue 10
Food for Thought – Mental Note: Issue 9 – July 2020
The intersection of music and memory and its impacts on everyday life with Dr. Edmarie Guzmán-Vélez. Also includes The Mental Note – Issue 9
Food for Thought – January 2021
What your blood samples can teach us about Alzheimer’s, with Dr. Hyun-Sik Yang, MD
Food for Thought – Mental Note: Issue 10 – October 2020
The importance of memory complaints in the early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease, with Dr. Rebecca Amariglio, PhD. Also includes The Mental Note – Issue 10
Widowhood Exacerbates Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer’s Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with Dr Nancy Donovan
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prior research has shown that widowed older adults are more likely to experience cognitive decline than those who are married. However, there have been no prior studies of widowhood as a risk factor for cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of severe […]
The Search for an Earlier Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
The search for an antibody that could strike at the core of the disease
In a first-of-its kind trial, researchers are testing a drug they hope will stop Alzheimer’s disease in its tracks before damage begins. Neurologist Reisa Sperling is one of the country’s top medical minds and for her, Alzheimer’s is very personal. “My grandfather developed symptoms when I was applying to medical school, and it definitely influenced […]