Research Opportunity

   Who do I call for information?

Sneha Sridhar at
(650) 493-5000, x67729


The Stanford/VA Alzheimer’s Center provides interesting research opportunities for patients registered and evaluated here. 

Below are some of our current research studies:

Psychosocial Factors in Alzheimer's Disease Progression

  • This multi-center study evaluates whether non-drug interventions, such as participation in support groups, can make a significant difference in Alzheimer’s Disease.  This study will help health care providers make better recommendations, inform policy-makers on how to better allocate funds, and help patients and their families choose resources.

Exercise and Alzheimer's Disease

  • This study evaluates whether patients who engage in exercise and socially and mentally stimulating activities have less depression and slower decline in functional status.

Health Economics, Utilities and Health-Related Quality of Life of Californians with Alzheimer’s Disease

  • This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of care and treatments for people with Alzheimer's Disease who are residing in California.

Sexuality in Alzheimer's Disease (AD)

  • We have been interested for a number of years in the changes that take place in a relationship when one of the partners develops dementia and AD, and have conducted research on the subject since 1989.

  • This exciting research study evaluates the impact of Alzheimer's Disease on physical and emotional intimacy in marital relationships.  This study will help us gain a better understanding of these issues and help couples that are affected by Alzheimer’s Disease cope with them better.

  • Studies have shown that being able to stay connected and to share some positive activities is important in preventing depression in both patients and caregivers. We are currently looking at the issues that may arise regarding physical and emotional intimacy over the course of the disease. Our overall goal is to gain a better understanding of these issues and develop ways of helping couples address them. Current Publications. ()

Treatment Evaluation

  • A study evaluating the effectiveness of routine clinical treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's or related memory problems. Included will be people treated with FDA-approved drugs such as Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl, and Namenda, as well as people who are not receiving these medications.

Asian American Memory Testing Program

  • Evaluation and diagnosis of memory problems that may include: CT scan of the brain, blood and urine tests, neurological exam, review of medical records and memory testing.

  • Family meeting to discuss diagnosis and memory problems.

  • A study evaluating the effectiveness of routine clinical treatment of individuals with Alzheimer's or related memory problems. Included will be people treated with FDA-approved drugs such as Aricept, Exelon, Reminyl, and Namenda, as well as people who are not receiving these medications.

Sleep Disorders

  • A sleep study is looking at the daily sleep-awake patterns in Alzheimer's patients including sundowning. Current Publications. ()