For Patients

Join us in the fight to improve memory care

What is the New IDEAS Study?

Have you or your loved ones noticed changes in your memory and thinking?

New IDEAS is a research study looking for better ways to diagnose and care for people with memory concerns by using medical brain imaging. It is nationwide research study for people who have memory concerns. The study is looking at a type of medical brain imaging called an amyloid PET scan.

New IDEAS is trying to find out if your PET scan results help guide your doctor in diagnosing and treating your memory condition. We want to see if this leads to better health for you.

Why should I join?

  • Your study results could lead to better brain health for you.
  • Your memory doctor can use your PET scan results to help diagnose your memory condition and plan your future care.
  • Your participation may also help future generations.

Can I join?

You may be able to join the New IDEAS study if:

  • You or a loved one has noticed some changes in your memory.
  • You are seeing a memory doctor who is part of the study.
  • You have Medicare as your primary insurance.

Your participation is completely voluntary. If you do not want to join, it will not change the healthcare you receive.

Is there a cost?

Medicare does not currently cover the cost of an amyloid PET scan as part of your regular medical care. If you join the study, your PET scan will be covered by Medicare as a medical benefit. You will only pay the deductible or co-pay required for the test under your plan.

Visits to your memory doctor will be billed to your insurance. You will pay your regular co-pay for these visits.

What happens during the study?

First, you will need to be referred by a memory doctor who is part of the New IDEAS Study. Your memory doctor will help you decide if the study may be right for you.

Required Study Tasks

If you decide to join the study, you will:

  • Give a saliva sample (spit in a cup).
  • Be scheduled for one amyloid PET scan.
  • Have a follow-up visit with your memory doctor.
  • Allow the study team to gather information about your health and brain imaging for up to 3 years.

Additional Study Tasks

If you participate in optional parts of the study, you will:

  • Have a small blood draw (about 4 teaspoons).
  • Allow your PET scan to be stored for future research.
  • Allow the Alzheimer’s Association to contact you about future research studies.

You are not required to do any of these optional tasks if you join the study.