Alzheimer's

People ages 40 to 85 who have been diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease are invited to participate in a University of Iowa study. The investigation will determine the safety and effectiveness of different doses of a medication, compared to placebo (inactive pill), in treating symptoms such as forgetfulness, confusion, difficulty finding words or performing familiar tasks, and poor or impaired judgment. Eligible participants must generally be healthy or have well-controlled medical conditions. All participants must have a caregiver who is willing to participate in the consent process and other aspects of the study. All study-related medical evaluations and tablets will be provided at no cost to participants. Compensation for travel and parking is available. The UI portion of the study is led by Susan Schultz, M.D., associate professor of psychiatry. For more information, call UI Health Access toll-free and ask for Jane Kerr, or call Kerr directly in the UI Department of Psychiatry at 319-353-4955.

Chronic constipation

People with chronic constipation are invited to participate in a University of Iowa study of the effectiveness of biofeedback therapy to treat the condition. Eligible participants must be 18 to 75 years old and have at least two of the following symptoms with 25 percent of their bowel movements over a three-month period: stool frequency of two or fewer times a week; hard stools; excessive straining; feeling of incomplete evacuation; feeling of blockage; or need for digital maneuvers to defecate. Compensation will be provided. The biofeedback technique that will be used was pioneered in large part at the UI. It involves making people more aware of unconscious or involuntary bodily functions involved in defecation and includes the use of a probe as well as visual and verbal feedback techniques. For more information, call UI Health Access and ask for Kara Kinkade, UI study coordinator, or contact Kinkade directly at 319-384-9756, or kara-kinkade@uiowa.edu.

Blood vessel function

Volunteers 18 years and older who have atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or peripheral vascular disease are invited to participate in a research project involving tests of blood vessel function. This study requires a one-year commitment and involves nine visits, each lasting about two hours, to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Compensation is provided. For more information, call Therese Barenz at 319-384-7939 or call UI Health Access and ask for Barenz.