BIOCHEMICAL COMPONENT
This component seeks to identify biochemical markers that may potentially be useful in determining diagnosis, predicting prognosis, and ultimately providing insights into better treatments. Currently there are three studies underway.

GENETIC STUDIES:
We aim to gain a better understanding of the various genes associated with Alzheimer’s Disease. This knowledge may point to the cause of the disease, improve diagnosis, and suggest avenues of treatment. Patients and possibly other family members may be asked to give up to 50 cc of blood at the conclusion of the initial diagnostic assessment.

BLOOD CORTISOL:
We hope to learn more about possible changes in hormones, particularly changes involving cortisol. Our body's production of cortisol changes under conditions of stress, and also appears to be related to mood, memory, and sleep changes. Participation involves several small blood draws on a yearly basis. Results will be compared to age- and gender-matched controls.

BRAIN CHEMISTRY:
Participation involves a routine spinal tap in order to collect a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for standard clinical testing and research purposes. Neural proteins and biochemicals in the CSF will be studied and compared with CSF from non-affected research volunteers. The aim of this research is to improve the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.