If you are an adult, age 18-50, here's more information on The Emory Study of Adult Learning.

How do I participate?
Provide a cheek brush sample - gently rub the inside of your cheek with a small sterile brush. You may collect the sample yourself. A small portion of the participants will be asked to participate in a follow-up study of learning and behavior. Choosing to participate in this study does not obligate you to participate in the follow-up study.

Where will the study take place?
The collection of the cheek brush sample can take place at your home. We will mail you a collection kit with a postage-paid return envelope. The follow-up portion of the study will take place at Emory University.

How do you get information from a cheek brush sample?
The cheek brush gently collects a few cells from the inside of your cheek. We can then use those cells to study the FMR1 gene.

How is this study funded?
We are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Before receiving funding from the NIH, a research proposal must be evaluated by experts in the scientific community. Of the 24,000 research proposals submitted nationally, only about 20% receive funding. Projects funded by the NIH must follow strict guidelines regarding participant confidentiality and informed consent.

Will I be informed of the results of this study?
Because we expect most results to be within the normal range, we will not routinely report the results. However, for some people (fewer than 1%), we may find that they have a form of the gene that puts them at risk for having a child with Fragile X Syndrome. That form is called a premutation. Women with the premutation form of the gene may also be at risk for early menopause. This finding may cause emotional discomfort. We can reduce possible discomfort by offering resources and counseling. If you so request, we will NOT inform you of atypical test results. That is, you have the right not to be informed of your test result.

What are the benefits of participating in this study?
We cannot promise that our study will be of direct benefit to you, but by taking part you will help us understand more about how people learn in general and about how menopause is regulated in women. Participants in this study will have the opportunity to receive confidential screening for the fragile X syndrome at no charge. We expect that most people will have a typical test result. However, approximately 1 in 350 women and 1 in 1000 men will have an atypical test result indicating they are at risk for having a child or relative with fragile X syndrome, a type of inherited mental retardation. Those individuals may benefit from the free genetic counseling and referrals this study provides.

Who can I contact for additional Information?
You may contact the Project Coordinator Darlene Sowemimo at (404) 727-9394 or email esal@esal.org.