Early Markers of Alzheimer's Disease: Structural and Functional Brain Changes

Study Summary

Background: \- Participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging are being studied to examine changes in brain structure and function over time, and to determine if these changes can predict the likelihood that an individual will develop thinking and memory impairments such as Alzheimer s disease later in life. Imaging studies and neuropsychological testing have been conducted on current participants, and new participants are being recruited to the study. To develop better treatments and therapies for aging-related memory loss and other disorders, researchers are interested in determining whether early prediction of thinking and memory impairments are accurate and in evaluating factors that affect these predictions. Objectives: \- To use imaging studies and tests of thinking and memory to determine early markers of Alzheimer s disease and other cognitive impairments. Eligibility: \- Current participants and new recruits to the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Design: * Participants will be screened with a full medical history and physical examination, as well as blood and urine tests. * Participants will have testing visits as directed by the study researchers. All participants will have tests as part of their an initial enrollment in the study, and may be asked to return yearly, 2 years later, or 4 years later for repeated tests. * At each visit, participants will have brain imaging scans (including magnetic resonance imaging and/or magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure brain structure and function, and positron emission tomography to study blood flow in the brain) to evaluate brain structure and function. Participants will also take tests of memory and problem-solving skills. * Treatment will not be provided as part of this protocol.