We are excited to let you know about a research study at UW–Madison, studying the brain’s waste clearance system, also known as the glymphatic system. Each night, as we sleep, our brains work to clear out waste and byproducts made during the previous day. This process is important for maintaining a healthy brain, and changes to this process may have implications for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This study, called MRI in Brain Waste Clearance, is using a new imaging strategy to visualize how our brains clear out waste during sleep.
Who can participate?
Individuals aged 55+ years who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mild dementia, or who have had significant memory complaints for at least six months, and are able to attend an MRI scan.
What will happen in this study?
This study consists of two in person visits to the Waisman Center within one month. One visit will include a blood draw, answering questionnaires and a cognitive testing session. The other visit will be an evening MRI scanning session. Participants will be asked to keep a sleep diary and wear a wrist-based sleep monitoring device for 7 days prior to the MRI scan.
Procedure Schedule
| Visit A at Waisman Center | Before Visit B | Visit B at Waisman Center |
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Will I be paid for participating in this study?
Yes, you will be paid for participating.
- $30 for a blood sample
- $30 for completing the cognitive testing and questionnaires
- $30 for completing the 7-day at-home sleep diary and monitoring
- $150 for the evening MRI scanner session
The maximum payment for completing all parts of the study is $240.
How can I participate in this study?
If you are interested in being in this study, please complete this participation survey.
Questions?
Contact the study team by emailing brainsleep@waisman.wisc.edu or calling (608) 516-3232.
Study Co-Principal Investigators
