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CURRENT RESEARCH STUDIES

Below are the research studies for which we are currently recruiting participants. Please check back frequently, or consider signing up to our Registry for Adult ADHD Research (RADAR) if you have ADHD and would like to be contacted for future studies related to ADHD.

DEmentia Markers in ADHD

This study seeks to explore possible relationships between symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain types of dementia later in life.

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Inclusion Criteria: 

  • Age 50+

  • Fluent in English

  • Normal or corrected-to-normal hearing and vision

  • Have a study partner to comment on your behaviours and habits

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This study involves completing questionnaires about medical issues, thinking skills, behaviours and habits, undergoing a simple test of smell ability, and providing a saliva sample.

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Please contact Dr. Sara Becker at sara.becker@ucalgary.ca if you are interested in participating or have any questions. 

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This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Brandy Callahan and has been approved by the University of Calgary’s Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (REB17-2444).

Cerebral small vessel disease and allostatic burden as mechanisms driving dementia risk in adults with ADHD

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The purpose of this study is to learn about the brain health of people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as they age. Some people with ADHD may be at a higher risk for age-related problems, such as cognitive impairment or dementia, but it is unclear why. In this study, we will explore how brain health and physical stress impact cognitive health in adults. 

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Inclusion Criteria: 

  • Between ages 40 - 90

  • Diagnosed/strongly suspected ADHD

  • No metal in body (e.g., pacemaker/metal implants)

  • Not pregnant

  • Willing/able to complete cognitive testing, brain scan and blood draw, and to provide hair sample

  • Have study partner who has known you since age 30 at least, and can answer an online survey about your ADHD symptoms

  • Fluent in English

  • Have normal, or corrected-to-normal, vision and hearing

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This study involves brain scans, blood draws and physical measurements. Additionally, tests of thinking skills will be used as a measure of cognitive health. 

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Please contact Hayley Huston at hayley.huston@ucalgary.ca if you are interested in participating or have any questions. 

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This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Brandy Callahan and has been approved by the University of Calgary’s Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (REB23-0301).

Cognition and dementia biomarkers in bipolar disorder

This study is designed to uncover whether certain cognitive tests may be useful as screening tools for early detection of dementia in individuals with bipolar disorder.

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Inclusion Criteria: 

  • Age 50+

  • Fluent in English

  • Normal or corrected-to-normal hearing and vision

  • Have diagnosed bipolar disorder

  • Currently have a stable, neutral mood

  • Have a study partner to comment on your behaviours and habits

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This study involves completing questionnaires and pen-and-paper tasks, and a blood draw.

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Please contact Stephen (Ben) Peckham at stephen.peckham@ucalgary.ca if you are interested in participating or have any questions. 

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This study is being conducted under the supervision of Dr. Brandy Callahan and has been approved by the University of Calgary’s Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (REB17-2444).

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