Clinical Research - Programs
- The role of menopausal vasomotor symptoms in determining risk of dementia.
[MECA = menopausal experience and cognitive aging]
The main goal of this study is to validate a newly designed survey for vasomotor menopausal symptoms. When validated, this survey will be used to provide preliminary data on the association between the severity of vasomotor menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, use of estrogen replacement therapy to treat these symptoms, and dementia.
- Single nucleotide polymorphism profile in demented patients: an association study.
[SNPs = Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms]
The purpose for this study is twofold: first, to analyze DNA for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) patterns in patients with dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, and in age-matched individuals without dementia; second, to compare the SNP patterns found in demented patients with the SNP patterns from non-demented individuals. Within the limitations of genes being evaluated, this study will allow us to determine whether there are genetic variations associated with dementia.
- Pain and dysfunctional behaviors in demented elderly patients.
[PAD = pain in Alzheimer’s Disease]
The research studies are designed to meet the following objectives: (1) Determine if the frequency of documented painful conditions in patients with dementia is comparable to the frequency of painful conditions in age-matched non-demented individuals. (2) Determine if the presence of painful stimuli causes aberrant behaviors in patients with documented dementia. (3) Evaluate relationship between systemic levels of β-endorphin and cortisol and painful conditions and its value as an additional measure in the assessment of pain in demented individuals. (4) Develop a comprehensive protocol for assessment of pain in patients with dementia.
- Role of ethnicity in the occurrence and features of hot flashes in menopausal women
[MVS 600]
This research is an assessment of the role of ethnicity in presentation of hot flashes in menopausal women using our menopausal vasomotor syndrome survey. The goal in to identify the effects on ethnicity on number, intensity and “bothersomeness” of hot flashes and the role of hot flushes and quality of life and health.
- Effects of a non-feminizing estrogen, 17 alpha-Estradiol, on hot flushes in menopausal women.
[MAVS = Menopausal Alpha for Vasomotor Symptoms]
This research project is designed to assess the effects of a novel estrogen that lack feminizing effects and is expected to lack toxicity on hot flushes number, severity and duration in menopausal women.
- Assessment of a computerized test for dementia in an ethnically diverse population.
In collaboration with GreyMatter, Inc., we are assessing a touch-screen, computerized test for cognitive status.
- Assessment of estrogens in brain protection from traumatic brain injury.
In collaboration with clinical scientists at the UT Southwestern Medical School, we are determining the efficacy of estrogens in protection from brain damage in traumatic brain injury.
- Novel Estrogens and retinitis pigmentosa.
In collaboration with EyeCyte, Inc., we are assessing the safety and efficacy of the use of novel estrogens in the protection of eyes in retinitis pigmentosa.
