Intervention and Prevention Studies

The Center for Population Brain Health has a number of active research projects led by our faculty, including intervention and prevention trials. Our studies bridge the fields of epidemiology, neurology, psychiatry, and neuropsychology.
 

Goal Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation via Telehealth (TeleGOALS) (*now recruiting!*)

TeleGOALS Cognitive Training Study for Older Veterans with TBI, funded by VA Rehabilitation Research and Development, aims to adapt GOALS (Goal Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation), an established group-format cognitive rehabilitation intervention for problems with executive function, for delivery to older Veterans with history of TBI via in-home video telehealth.

Learn more here, or contact the study's coordinator, Sara Schweizer.

P.I.(s):
Erica Kornblith, PhD

man in hat with eyes closed

 

 


 

Napping, Sleep, Cognitive Decline and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease (*now recruiting!*)

SleepTIGHT (Sleep Therapeutics Intervention to Improve Cognitive Health) aims to pilot a non-pharmacological (behavioral) treatment program targeting improved cognition through improving 24-hour sleep-wake cycle in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer's disease. A treatment program incorporating bright light therapy and a modified cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia will be developed to address 24-hour patterns of sleep. We will then pilot test its feasibility and explore its preliminary effects on improving sleep/napping and cognition in patients with MCI or mild Alzheimer's disease.

Learn more here.

P.I.(s):
Yue Leng, PhD

older woman sleeping

 

 


 

Systematic Multi-Domain Alzheimer's Risk Reduction (SMARRT) Trial

The Systematic Multi-Domain Alzheimer's Risk Reduction (SMARRT) Trial is a pilot, randomized controlled trial designed to slow the rate of cognitive decline and delay or prevent Alzheimer's Disease. In the SMARRT intervention group, the team will work with participants to develop a personalized action plan to address risk reduction including cardiovascular risk management; smoking cessation; physical, mental and social activity; healthy diet; improved sleep quality and medication management.

Learn more here.

P.I.(s):
Kristine Yaffe, MD
Deborah Barnes, PhD

older man exercising and drinking water

 

 


 

Preventing Loss of Independence Through Exercise (PLIÉ)

Preventing Loss of Independence Through Exercise (PLIÉ) in Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) incorporates elements from Eastern and Western exercise modalities and is designed to build and maintain the capacity to perform basic functional movements while increasing mindful body awareness and enhancing social connection. Pilot study results suggest that PLIE is associated with meaningful improvements in physical function, cognitive function and quality of life in individuals with dementia, as well as reduced caregiver burden. The goal of the current study is to perform a randomized, controlled trial to test the efficacy of PLIE in older adults who have MCI but who do not yet have dementia. The investigators will also investigate the neural mechanisms underlying PLIE by acquiring brain imaging measures.

Learn more here.

P.I.(s):
Deborah Barnes, PhD

older woman meditating in front of plants