Pilot Study Outcomes
The completion of a pilot Study near the end of 2021 with the neurology program UT Dell med has opened the door for the funding and execution of multiple clinical studies that follow. Many of these are currently actively enrolling study subjects.
The early question that the foundation is focused on with UT Dell Med is the following: Can we conveniently measure the progression of brain health over time by monitoring how one uses a smart phone, computer, tablet (smart devices)? The answer supported in part in the first study concluded that yes we can. Smart phones in particular are equipped the various sensors to detect movement and the efficiency of device use and health parameters that can be measured and reported through an app on the phone. The pilot study of 400 subjects, primarily seniors, revealed that the those using smart devices are for the most part, tech savvy, in good health and well-being and would be ideal study subjects for more long term studies to measure cognition parameter and smart device use over the long term. The product for this and the current studies will be an app that medical professionals and individuals can use to measure the status of their cognition and mental health over time. In the future, when the data is complete this will provide a real time diagnostic that will “passively” collect data and keep us informed of our cognition score.
Benge, J.F., Kiselica, A.M., Aguirre, A., Hilsabeck, R.C, Douglas, M., Paydarfar, D., Scullin, 2023 M.K. Technology use and subjective cognitive concerns in older adults. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics 106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2022.104877
Benge, J., Aguirre, A., Scullin, M., Kiselica, A., Hilsabeck, R., Paydarfar, D., Douglas, M. 2022Internet-Enabled Behaviors in Older Adults During the Pandemic: Patterns of Use, Psychosocial Impacts, and Plans for Continued Utilization. Work, Aging and Retirement. https://doi.org/10.1093/workar/waac026
Benge, J., Aguirre, A., Scullin, M., Kiselica, A., Hilsabeck, R., Paydarfar, D., Douglas, M. 2022 Internet-Enabled Behaviors in Older Adults During the Pandemic: Patterns of Use, Psychosocial Impacts, and Plans for Continued Utilization. Work, Aging and Retirement. https://doi.org/10.1093/workar/waac026
Current Studies
We have three different studies that are currently enrolling. These studies provide opportunities for those who are interested to engage with our clinical research partners. One of the studies includes caregivers who are interested in providing more effective care
We have made changes so that you may now enroll online to get signed up. Also, we have made the study more accessible with the inclusion of the Android app in addition to the currently used Apple app.
FIRST STUDY – Passive activity detection via smart phone sensors to assess cognitive decline in older adults.
If you are over the age 65, have a smartphone, and are interested in a study helping to see if passive smartphone sensors can help detect changes in memory use the following link to send in your information- a research assistant will reach out once they have a chance to review the information and tell you more about the study and talk about details: https://redcap.link/techsans
- 1 year duration, virtual testing 0, 6’ and 12 mo.
- To distinguish digital activity between people showing cognitive decline and those who do not.
Enrolling currently, NIH funded
SECOND STUDY Passive activity detection via smart phone sensors/fitness trackers to assess cognitive factors that detect apathy and motivation
Over age 60 and interested in helping develop a measure of motivation in older adults- reach out here and an assistant will be in touch. https://redcap.link/motivated
- 1 year duration, one-time cognitive assessment battery and collaborative reporter (know subject well)
- virtual testing, several study visits needed, all online
Enrollment beginning, Alzheimer’s Assoc. Funded
THIRD STUDY engaging caregivers to develop better performance goals with their patients
If you are a caregiver for someone with memory problems or dementia and are interested in helping develop a survey that can help identify caregiver goals, reach out through the following link: https://redcap.link/1gc9pysx
Enroll in current and future protocols of the Brain Study
For many of you that participated in the earlier studies will automatically be invited to enroll in additional protocols under the Brain Study. For those who have not received ongoing educational updates from us please go here to sign up or contact mdouglas@georgetownneurosciencefoundation.com. You will be joining a worldwide community that starts here in Georgetown, Texas to be better informed on the long-term care of your brain and also part of a legacy that will guide researchers for years to come.