Institute for Dementia Research & Prevention (IDRP)

Mission

This Institute is currently involved in a wide range of studies aimed at understanding the causes of brain aging and identifying the basis by which aging promotes the development of dementia, focusing on lifestyle choices as modulators of cognition. Secondary emphasis is understanding the basis for frailty and falls in elderly with and without dementia.

About the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention

A central focus of the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention (IDRP) is obtaining information from our growing registry of over 1,600 individuals from Louisiana, aged 60 and over, who receive annual neurocognitive exams and a host of other evaluations focused on understanding the basis of brain aging and dementia. Studies use cutting-edge analysis in laboratory and free-living settings and will soon be incorporating neuroimaging. An increasing number of Pennington Biomedical faculty and faculty from institutions around the country are working with the IDRP to increase the impact of its efforts. This is accomplished by using our registry and existing data to secure more grants and publications in multiple areas of geriatric research.

In addition to these efforts, the IDRP conducts a variety of clinical trials focused on dementia treatment, participating in major pharmaceutical industry-sponsored trials as well as lifestyle interventions.

Those interested in learning more about any of these research efforts or who would like to participate are encouraged to contact the IDRP at 1-877-276-8306 or to email dementia@pbrc.edu for more details.

For more information, vist the IDRP website: http://idrp.pbrc.edu.

Our Research

The IDRP brings together multiple scientific disciplines within the clinical research arena in order to find novel ways of preventing, detecting, and managing dementia in the elderly.  Our longitudinal studies provide a platform for the collection of data which identify the most important risk factors for the development of dementia, elucidate novel targets for the design of new therapeutic interventions, and develop new test for more effective detection and monitoring the earliest stages of dementia.  

The IDRP is establishing itself as a world leader in understanding the interactions between changes in mobility and the development of dementia. These studies incorporate cutting edge measures of free-living movement, life space, and overall mobility in individuals with a well defined cognitive status.  Data from these studies will not only help us understand and prevent the cause for falls in the elderly, but will also help in keeping elderly individuals more mobile throughout their lifetime.

The LABrainS Project

The Louisiana Aging Brain Study (LABrainS) is the cornerstone project of the IDRP and is essential to its success. The response from the community in participating and supporting LABrainS has been outstanding. The purpose of this study is to enroll individuals over the age of 60 who do not currently show cognitive signs or symptoms of dementia or are not currently being treated for a memory disorder. Participants are administered objective assessments of cognitive performance on an annual basis, allowing for the early detection of cognitive decline associated with the onset of dementia. This longitudinal study affords researchers the opportunity to look at relationships between a variety of risk factors (genetics, diet, diabetes, mood, sleep, activity level etc.) and cognitive decline, and to begin to develop therapeutic strategies for the prevention of dementia.

The LABrainS project has enrolled over 2,000 participants statewide representing 37 different parishes.

Current Research Trials

KEY PERSONNEL

The IDRP is supported by private philanthropy as well as a combination of National Institutes of Health, private foundation grants, and pharmaceutical industry sponsored studies.