Current Study Recruitment

Participation in research studies is always voluntary and participants may withdraw at any time.  Please review this list and, if interested, call the research study teams directly at the numbers provided.  

The following studies have been carefully reviewed and approved by Institutional Review Boards to comply with laws concerning protection of participants in research studies.  

Volunteers with high blood pressure wanted for a research study on blood pressure treatment and its effect on the brain. Looking for: Healthy men and women ages 60 and older WITH high blood pressure with or without treatment, who have no history of heart or lung problems, or diabetes. Participants will receive: Reports about your blood pressure and health shared with you and your doctor, Free blood pressure medication with follow-up by study doctor. 6 to 8 visits over 9 months to our Roslindale location. Stipend: up to $350.

Contact: Meaghan Hart at 617-363-8484. Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Roslindale, MA.  

Participants must be 21-35 or 65-80 yrs. old with no medical, neurological or psychiatric illnesses. The study involves taking FDA-approved medications, then undergoing an MRI scan of the brain. You will be also tested using computerized and pen paper tests to measure your cognitive (thinking) abilities. The study will consist of 5 visits over a 10-day period. The first visit will be about 1 hr. Each subsequent visit will last approx. 6 hrs. Testing is conducted at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr. Compensation & parking will be provided.

Contact: Dr. Fong at 617-667-1369, tfong@bidmc.harvard.edu.

Healthy men and women between the ages of 35 and 80, who speak English fluently and are without neurological, repertory or heart problems, for memory and intellectual capacity testing. 1-2 hr. sessions. Memory Disorders Research Ctr., VA Boston Healthcare System, Jamaica Plain,. Compensation will be provided.

Contact: Amanda at 617-232-9500 ext. 44004

The Memory Lab at Harvard seeks subjects for either of two research studies that explore the effects of normal aging on cognition (thinking processes). Study 1: includes cognitive & computer based tasks, no medication involved, noninvasive, 2-hrs. $15/hr. Study 2: includes functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), cognitive and computer-based tasks, no medication, noninvasive, 1.5-3hrs., $25/hr. Psychology Dept., Harvard Univ. Contribute to understanding the normal aging process of cognition!

Contact: Adrian Gilmore at 617- 495-3856.  

We are looking for men and women aged 70-85 to participate in a study of lower body muscle power and function. You may be eligible if you are experiencing difficulties with routine daily activities such as climbing stairs, standing up from a chair, or lifting and carrying objects. Participants must be able to visit the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Ctr. On Aging at Tufts University in Boston twice per wk. for 4 months. Over these 4 months participants will take part in an exercise program aimed at improving lower body strength, power and mobility. If eligible, you may be paid up to $700 for compensation of the study.

Contact: 617-556-3303 or visit our website at hnrc.tufts.edu/studies

Do you: Feel sad or worried? Have trouble sleeping? Feel guilty or worthless? Feel overwhelmed by physical problems? Have less interest in things you once enjoyed? If you said yes to any of these symptoms and are at least 55 years old, you may be eligible to participate in a research study being conducted by McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School faculty. Qualified candidates will receive an assessment, MRI scan and study medication at no cost. Participants will receive compensation of up to $320.

Contact: McLean Hospital Geriatric Psychiatry Research Program at: skim@mclean.harvard.edu or: at 617-855-3429

Are being recruited for an NIA-funded study on the health effects of care giving. Participants must be 60 yrs. or older, English speaking, and currently helping their relative or friend. The study will consist of a 2hr. morning interview at the BU General Clinical Research Center. You will receive up to $40 for completing the interview. You will be asked to participate in 3 yearly follow-up interviews.

Contact: Mathilde Sabourin at 617-638-8032, or email: sabourin@bu.edu.

You may be eligible to participate in a research study conducted at McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, as a healthy control subject if you... are 55 years or older, speak English, do not have history of seizure disorder or a psychiatric illness, do not have a serious or unstable medical illness. Eligible participants will receive free evaluations from a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital, neuropsychological tests, and MRI scans. You will be paid $50 for each MRI scan you complete and $50 for completing the screening phase for a total of $200.

Contact: Susan Kim at skim@mclean.harvard.edu  or 617-855-3429.

Are you depressed and 55 years older? McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, may be able to help. Dr. Brent Forester, psychiatrist at McLean Hospital, and colleagues are conducting a research study on Coenzyme Q10 has therapeutic benefits on the body and on the brain. Eligible study participants receive free: assessments from a psychiatrist at McLean Hospital, neuropsychological tests, study medication drugs, MRI scans. Participants receive compensation of up to $250 & reimbursement for travel.

Contact: Susan Kim at 617-855-3429.

 The Division of General Medicine & Primary Care at BIDMC is conducting an NIH-sponsored clinical study on the effects of alcohol on atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). We are recruiting individuals who are 55 or older, have diabetes or two other cardiovascular risk factors, and drink alcohol at least occasionally. Individuals with a previous heart attack or stroke are not eligible. Participants will be randomly assigned to drink one of two beverages daily for 6 months, and will undergo 2 MRI examinations of their blood vessels. 9 visits to the General Clinical Research Ctr. at the BIDMC over 6 months. Reimbursement: up to $270.

Contact : Brian NA at 617-754-1436 or aaapilot@bidmc.harvard.edu

 A research study ICARA is now under way to explore a possible new investigational treatment for Alzheimer's disease. You may be eligible to participate in the ICARA study if you: Are 50 to 88 yrs. Old. Have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease. In addition to receiving study-related physical exams and laboratory services at no charge, participants may receive study medication and will be monitored by a medical team, including a nurse or study coordinator and physician. Ask your doctor if the ICARA study is right for you.

Visit: www.ICARAstudy.com or contact: 1-888-818-MEMORY for more information.

The Laboratory of Dr. Ayanna Thomas at Tufts University is currently recruiting older adults for ongoing research examining the effects of healthy aging cognition. Participants must be at least 65 yrs. of age and in good health. This study involves performing various cognitive tasks (e.g., simple computer tasks, responding to questions). Participants will be asked to make one visit to the Dept. of Psychology at Tufts University lasting approx. 2 hrs. Participants will be compensated for their time, parking will be provided.

Contact: Dr. Thomas at 617-627-4515.

Volunteers needed for 1 month research study! Subjects age 65 & older with diabetes mellitus type 2 or hypertension are needed for a 1 month research study including three outpatient visits to the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Subjects will be required to drink 2 cups of cocoa each day for 30 days. We are studying brain blood vessel response to cocoa. Simple mental tasks will be performed at each study. Eligibility criteria: Male or female, age 65 or older, Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Hypertension, No history of stroke, No chest pain or heart attack in the last six months, No diagnosis of dementia of Alzheimer's disease.
Up to $350 compensation upon completion of the study.

Contact: Stephanie at 617-732-5186, or email: smovsesian@partners.org  Div.of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension.

 A research study is being conducted to help treat Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS. When trying to sleep do you have: (1) Discomfort in your legs, which worsens when resting, (2) A strong urge to move your legs for relief, or (3) Hard-to-describe annoying feelings in your legs? Participants will receive free study-related exams and study medication. Neurocare, Inc. Center for Research, Newton, MA.

Contact : 1-888-651-3958 or go to www.rls-study.com

We are seeking both healthy adults over age 18 and individuals with history of nerve root compression in the neck or lower back for a research study at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Ctr., Division of Neuromuscular Disease. We will be assessing a new non-invasive methodology for diagnosis of these conditions. The study will encompass one 3-hr. visit, with a possible brief follow-up visit. During the visit, we will review your medical history, examine your strength, sensation, and reflexes, and then perform a series of electrical tests of you nerves and muscles. Participants will be reimbursed for their time and travel costs.

Contact: 617-667-3053 or email: EIMstudy@bidmc.harvard.edu

 Vision standards for licensing of drivers with central vision impairment vary widely between states. We are conducting a study to better understand how central visual field loss (blind areas in central vision) might affect one's ability to drive. Would you be able to help us? People with central vision loss can help us by participating in a study that typically takes 3 visits totaling 9 hrs. We conduct the study at Schepens Eye Institute in Boston and at the Veteran's Administration in Jamaica Plain. If you participate, we will determine your best corrected vision, contrast sensitivity, visual fields, examine your retina, and ask you to drive in a driving simulator. We will reimburse you for parking or travel expenses (up to $50). From these studies we expect to learn about the driving abilities of people with central field loss.

Contact: Amanda Albu at 617-912-0213 or Doris Apfelbaum at 617-912-2505.

Cognitive Reserve in an Aging Population, Suffolk University are seeking volunteers 65 yrs. Of age or older. This research study is seeking to further understand how certain life experiences relate to current thinking in an aging population. The cognitive reserve model supposes that the brain will attempt to compensate for challenges presented by brain injury, whether this impairment is due to the normal aging process or insult to the central nervous system (CNS). It is thought that certain life experiences might contribute to cognitive reserve. If you agree to participate, you will complete a series of questionnaires pertaining to how particular life experiences relate to current thinking in addition to a demographic questionnaire. You will also complete a cognitive task. All participants will be entered into a raffle. At the conclusion of the study five names will be drawn at random and five prizes of $100 each allocated.

Contact: Rachel Bieu at rkbieu@suffolk.edu  or call: 1-860-604-9235 for more information.

Right now, researchers at the MIT Age Lab in Cambridge are working to improve quality of life throughout the lifespan and to understand how to improve the usability and safety of cars as drivers get older and they need your help. The Age Lab is looking for volunteer research participants to contribute to their various programs. Studies include using a driving simulator, driving a computer equipped vehicle in the Boston area, and interacting with technologies such as computers, navigation systems, and consumer products. Participants receive compensation, free parking is provided. The MIT Age Lab is on the cutting edge of research on how technology can improve the quality of life for older people and those who care for them. Recently, the Age Lab's directory Joseph Coughlin wrote about older drivers, and the current driving debate in MA, in a editorial published by The Boston Globe.

Contact: 617-324-9054 or register online at: http://web.mit.edu/agelab/volunteers.html

 Men and women 70-85 yrs. You earn $45! The Psychology Lab invites you to take part in a one time, 90-120 minute study involving performing a series of tasks along with physiological measurement of your heart rate and respiration. The study is supervised by Professor Wendy Mendes of the Psychology Dept. at Harvard University and runs Monday thru Friday and weekends. For your time you are compensated $45. We can also compensate public transportation or provide parking. Harvard University.

Contact: Allison or Kristin at 617-496-9645 to learn more details. You will be asked for some initial information to see whether you are eligible for this study.

Omni-CArb is a research study about how your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar are affected by what you eat. You may qualify if you: are not taking medication for blood pressure, cholesterol or diabetes, are over the age of 30, have normal or mildly elevated blood pressure, are willing to eat one meal at our site 5 days a wk. while in the study, and are willing to change your eating habits for 21 wks. As part of OMNI-Carb, we will: measure your blood pressure, cholesterol & blood sugar. Stipend: up to $1500 for completing the project. Learn how diet can affect blood pressure & cholesterol. Receive meals & snacks for 21 wks. At no cost. Brigham & Women's Hospital Dept. of Medicine.

Contact: 617-525-6737 or OMNICarb@partners.org  For more information see our website: www.OMNICarb.org.

Insomnia is a serious condition. People with insomnia often experience: Difficulty falling asleep, Waking up frequently during the night and trouble returning to sleep, Waking up too early in the morning, Unrefreshing sleep. If you or someone you love is aged 65 or older with any of the above symptoms, you may be eligible to participate in a 12-month research study of an investigational medication for insomnia being conducted by DR. J. Alexander Bodkin at McLean Hospital.

Contact: Tara Mann at 617-855-2988 or tmann@mclean.harvard.edu.

Is Conducting a Research Program for Seniors: You may qualify if you are: 70 to 89 yrs. old, having trouble walking or standing up after sitting, are willing to: participate in a program for seniors that may help to improve quality of life, come into Center up to 2x a wk., be randomized to one of 2 groups. Transportation can be provided.

Contact: www.thelifestudy.org/enroll, email: life-volunteers@Tufts.edu , or 1-800-738-7555.

 A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial: The Division of General Medicine & Primary Care at BIDMC is conducting a Harvard Medical School-funded clinical trial on DHA ( a common omega 3 fish oil) and perodontitis (gum disease). We are recruiting individuals who are 40 or older, who do not have diabetes, and have at least 20 remaining teeth. The three month study requires only 2 visits to the General Clinical Research Ctr. at BIDMC. Reimbursement: $100 and a free dental cleaning.

Contact: Asghar (Oscar) Naqvi at 617-754-1436 or DAPstudy@gmail.com

 Volunteers wanted for a research study that evaluates the effects of type 2 diabetes on blood flow in the brain and memory. Looking for 120 participants (age 50 to 85 years): Group1: type 2 diabetes mellitus for more than five years, Group 2: controls without major health problems. Study visits include: eye exam, cognitive testing, walking test, ultra sound testing of blood flow in the brain, and MRI. Stipend: up to $325 for completing the study. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston.

Contact: Nickole Jones, SAFE Laboratory, 617-667-1777 or njones3@bidmc.harvard.edu

 The Center for Voice and Swallowing at Boston University Medical Center is conducting a NIH/NCI sponsored study that examines if a therapy called e-stim can reduce swallowing problems in people who were treated with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. We are recruiting individuals who are 21 or older, completed radiation therapy at least 3 months ago, and have trouble swallowing. Individuals who have neurologic disease, pacemakers/defibrillators, or previous e-stim treatment are not eligible. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to Group A which receives intense swallow exercise + active e-stim or to Group B which receives intense swallow exercise + inactive estim. The study consists of 8 clinic visits over 4 months and a daily home therapy program. Reimbursement is $50 per clinic visit.

Contact the study staff by email at estim@bmc.org  or by phone at (617)414-1761.