A Typical Research Visit

In order to learn more about how sleep quality and duration relate to cognition and brain aging, you may be asked to consider participating in a sleep study. This study uses 3 pieces of equipment to monitor your sleep from the comfort of your home. 

1) Actigraph: Similar in size to a wristwatch, the Actigraph measures patterns of rest and activity during the day and night. 

2) Sleep Profiler: A lightweight wireless device you wear like a headband while sleeping. The Sleep Profiler provides real-time monitoring of sleep quality and stages. 

3) ApneaLink: A compact, lightweight device that measures oxygen levels, pulse, breathing rate and body positioning while sleeping. This device is worn for one night and can detect sleep apnea. 

The brain protein beta-amyloid is a key molecule in Alzheimer's-related MCI and dementia; beta-amyloid protein can clump together to form plaques in the brain, a hallmark of the disease.  Despite this, beta-amyloid accumulation does not always result in MCI or dementia, and these plaques are also found in a significant proportion of older people with normal memory and thinking. The PET scan uses compounds (called tracers) that are injected into a vein, travel through the bloodstream and attach to beta-amyloid in the brain, allowing them to be seen by a PET scanner. 

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is a procedure in which a small amount of the CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) that surrounds the brain and spinal cord is removed by inserting a needle between the L4/L5 vertebrae of the lower back.

• A physician will first inject a local anesthetic (lidocaine) under the skin to numb the area. She/he will then insert a thin needle into the space that contains the CSF. This is well below the level where the spinal cord ends, so there is no risk to damage of the cord. 
• About 2 tablespoons of CSF will be collected in a vial over 20 to 30 minutes. The body will replace this amount of CSF in about 2-3 hours.
• We will ask you to lie down for 30-60 minutes after the procedure in order to minimize your risk of headache post-procedure.  

The Alzheimer's Society has a short video that explains the procedure and also show a lumbar puncture being performed. To view this video, click the following link:

Lumbar puncture video