PORTLAND, Ore. - Researchers at Oregon Health & Science
University are investigating why some aging persons develop
dementia and Alzheimer's disease, while others do not. Healthy
elders aged 84 and older, and those aged of 60 to 74, are
participating in the Oregon Brain Aging Study at OHSU. The study
compares brain structure, memory, concentration and problem
solving in healthy participants to participants who suffer from
Alzheimer's disease. The study hopes to offer clues to
diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's, and other
forms of dementia. The C. Rex and Ruth H. Layton Alzheimer's
Research Center at OHSU launched the study in 1989. The trial is
unusual because few dementia studies have been conducted with
healthy older subjects. Participants must be in good physical
and mental condition. In addition, volunteers must not be in
need of certain medications, including heart, blood pressure,
cholesterol or diabetes medications. Initially, participants
undergo two examinations within one month, and