Connecting people with Alzheimer's and dementia research
Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core
This program helps adults with Alzheimer's, related dementias, mild cognitive impairment, and healthy older adults connect with Northwestern-led research and support programs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P30 center grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169796 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core works with Northwestern's Mesulam Center clinics, clinical trial groups, and life-enrichment programs to find and support people for dementia research. It focuses recruitment on several groups including primary progressive aphasia (PPA), behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), mid-life onset Alzheimer’s disease, and older adults without cognitive impairment. The Core runs community outreach and engagement activities, tailored recruitment strategies, and retention supports for participants and their families. It also develops adaptable remote and life-enrichment approaches to keep people involved even if they live far from the medical center.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias (including PPA and bvFTD), mild cognitive impairment, mid-life onset AD, or healthy older adults interested in research are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, those with conditions unrelated to aging or dementia, or individuals unable to engage with Northwestern's programs or travel to Chicago may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this effort could make it easier for patients and families to find and join relevant dementia studies and access supportive programs.
How similar studies have performed: Similar outreach and recruitment cores at other Alzheimer's research centers have improved enrollment and community engagement, though enrolling rarer dementia types like PPA and bvFTD remains challenging.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morhardt, Darby — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Morhardt, Darby
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.