Where you live may impact your brain health.
This study is part of a national effort to understand risk factors that lead to the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Why are researchers doing this study?
We are trying to learn how the neighborhoods in which people have lived over the course of their lives influence the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias.
What does participation in The Neighborhoods Study involve?
Study participants fill out a questionnaire about where they have lived since birth. They also share information with us such as their primary job, their education level, and if they served on active duty in the military.
FAQ
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Why are researchers doing this study?
The purpose of this study is to find out if where people have lived over the course of their lives influences the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias.
There isn’t a space for my name. How will you connect completed questionnaires to me?
A study number specific to you will be used to identify you. Your name will not be on the forms.
Do I need to complete the questionnaire by memory?
No. The questionnaire is not a memory test, and you do not need to complete the questionnaire from memory.
Is it okay to look up the information or ask a family or friend that knows the information?
Yes, you may use available resources to gather information, including looking it up or asking a family or friend for the information.
Is it okay for someone to help me fill out the form?
Yes, it is okay for someone to help you write your answers on the form. However, they are not to answer the survey about themselves, but only document your answers.
What if I don’t remember my exact address or the exact month and year I moved?
That is okay. You can still participate in the questionnaire even if you can’t remember all the exact information. The information you provide does not have to be perfect for it to be useful for the researchers. Just provide whatever you can.
For instance:
- If you do not remember the house number but can recall the street name, that is okay. Please just include whatever you can on the form.
- If you do not remember the street address but remember the county and state, that is okay. Please just include whatever you can on the form.
- If you don’t remember the years you lived somewhere but remember the street or county and state, that is okay. Please just include whatever you can on the form.
Do you have any examples to help me fill out the form?
To help you better understand how to answer the questions, we created an example using an imaginary participant. These examples are also in the mailed study materials.
Click on an image to expand.
I lost my return envelope - how do I send my survey back?
We can send a new postage paid envelope to you for mailing your questionnaire back to us.
To request a new envelope, please contact UWSC Project Director at 608-265-9866 or send an email to the_neighborhoods_study@medicine.wisc.edu.
Does this study have any impact on my personal healthcare or legal rights?
We will not share the information collected in this study with your healthcare provider(s). Your choice to participate in this study will not affect any treatment relationship you have with your healthcare providers or any services you receive from them. No matter what participation decision you make, and even if your decision to participate changes, there will be no penalty to you.
What if I have questions that are not answered in the Frequently Asked Questions?
Additional helpful information can be found in the Study Information Sheet mailed with the study materials.
If you have additional questions about the questionnaire, please contact the UW Survey Center Project Director at 608-265-9866.
If you have questions about the study in general, please contact the Neighborhoods Study Research Team at 608-262-0163 or the_neighborhoods_study@medicine.wisc.edu.
