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 purpose of the study is to better understand how blood vessel function relates to cognition, which is 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. Eligible participants must not have had a stroke or coronary artery bypass surgery. The study will involve four visits to UI Hospitals and Clinics over three years and phone contact every three months throughout the study, which is led by psychiatrist David Moser, Ph.D. For more information, call Becky Reese, UI research assistant, at 319-353-4276.

Heart disease

People ages 55 or older who have had a heart attack or episode of chest pain within the past year are invited to participate in a UI Heart and Vascular Center study on heart disease prevention. The study will investigate whether long-term use of an investigational medication, compared to placebo (inactive pill), will help reduce the risk of future heart disease events. The study will last two years and involve 12 visits to UI Hospitals and Clinics at three-month intervals. Eligible participants randomly will be assigned to take either the study drug or the placebo. The study drug is thought to be an antioxidant that reduces inflammation associated with fatty build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis). In addition to taking the study drug or placebo, all participants will continue their current standard treatments for heart disease. The study visits will involve, at no cost to participants, physical exams, electrocardiograms, blood and laboratory evaluations, and study medication. Compensation for travel and parking is available. For more information, call the UI Lipid Research Center toll-free at 800-887-6917 or 319-384-5048.

Knee study

Individuals between the ages 50 to 79–especially those who do not currently have knee pain—are invited to participate in a University of Iowa College of Public Health study about knee health. The purpose of MOST (Multicenter Knee Osteoarthritis Study) is to study how physical activities, weight and diet affect knee health. Participants will not be asked to take any medication or change their eating or exercise habits. The study will involve three clinic visits in Iowa City over two-and-a-half-years. Testing will include knee and full leg x-rays, bone density measurements, MRI exams, and a variety of physical measurements to assess knee strength and alignment. All tests and measurements are free. For more information, call toll free 800-348-4692 or 319-384-5055.