Type 2 diabetes

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is one of 70 centers taking part in a new nationwide study to test three promising approaches to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study is being funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. Patients with Type 2 diabetes who volunteer to participate will undergo a variety of tests to determine if they are eligible. For more information, call Sheila Wayson, nurse clinician and trial coordinator, toll free at (877) 807-9590 or at (319) 356-4879 and ask about the ACCORD study.

Atherosclerosis

People ages 55 to 90 who have atherosclerosis (deposits of fatty substances or other material that narrow or block blood vessels) are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care study. The study will improve society's understanding of how blood vessel function relates to cognition (the ability to remember things, pay attention, learn, and solve problems). Volunteers must have at least one of the following conditions: atherosclerosis (blockage of the blood vessels), claudication (peripheral vascular disease), angina, previous heart attack, angioplasty, or stent placement. Compensation is available. David Moser, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychiatry, leads the UI portion of the study. For more information, call Becky Reese, research assistant, at (319) 353-4276.

Memory problems

People age 62 and older who are experiencing mild memory problems are invited to participate in a University of Iowa Health Care study to evaluate the effectiveness of medications that may benefit memory. Eligible participants must otherwise be healthy. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of donepezil (Aricept) and the herbal supplement ginkgo biloba extract as compared to placebo (inactive substance) on brain function and blood flow. All tests and study medications will be provided free. Compensation for travel and parking costs also is available. The UI portion of the study is led by Susan Schultz, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry. For more information, contact Karen Ekstam Smith, research nurse, at (319) 353-5158.