Interested into participating in a research study?
The TechANS Lab welcomes your help to explore whether a medical strategy, treatment or device is safe and effective to human. Your participation to those studies will accelerate medical sciences by providing insights into potential treatments and methods of prevention.
Currently enrolling
- Developing Digital Markers for Cognitive Health:
Smartphones and smart watches may be able to help identify cognitive changes earlier.
In this study the Technological Assistance for Neurosciences Lab is assessing cognitive health based on data that is collected from sensors in smartphones and smartwatches. Its goal is to assess and characterise cognitive functioning in a more naturalistic, unobtrusive, efficient and continuous manner. For this study we are looking for people 65 and over. (both with and without memory problems). More information & Study website - Memory Loss in Hispanics (non-technical):
Individuals of Hispanic ethnicity are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer disease than non-Hispanic whites but reasons for this are unclear. The objectives of the Longitudinal Hispanic Cohort study are to examine the role of biological and clinical markers and risk factors in the development and progression of AD and how they may differ between Hispanic and non-Hispanic citizens of Texas. Accumulating evidence suggests that individuals of Hispanic ethnicity have different risk factors for Alzheimer Disease (AD) than other ethnicities. The Longitudinal Hispanic Cohort study investigates how medical, emotional, linguistic, and cultural factors contribute to different in the onset and progression of AD between Hispanic and non-Hispanic white Texans. More information (English), More information (Spanish)
Coming soon
- Motivation, Technology Use, and Aging:
Coming soon, this project will help us understand better how to assess motivation and drive, as well as relate these factors to day to day technology use. - Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation as a Potential Intervention for Cognitive Decline:
People are living longer lives resulting in a greater number of people affected by cognitive decline associated with aging and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer disease. Thus, there is a critical need for disruptive approaches to prevent and treat cognitive decline. The purpose of this study is to develop a novel intervention based on brain-computer interface technology and closed-loop brain stimulation to target cognitive control areas of the brain to improve daily task performance and potentially enhance memory performance. - Tailoring Responses to ADRD Caregivers’ InfOrmation wants (TRACO) through Human-Machine Collaboration:
Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) are a major public health concern. Persons with ADRD require extensive care in their daily lives, the majority of which is provided by family members. Caregiving for persons with ADRD is stressful and can severely affect the caregiver’s health and well-being. Caregivers report obtaining insufficient information about challenges or care options through conventional sources such as clinicians. The goal of this project is to develop a mobile app that will provide caregivers just-in-time information relevant to their specific questions taken from a tailoring engine developed and validated by our team of experts in machine learning algorithms and ADRD clinical care.
Recently Completed
- Deep Brain Stimulation as a Potential Treatment for Mild Alzheimer Disease:
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer disease (AD), and available medications provide relief to some people living with the disease but only for a limited time. The ADvance II study is researching the use of a surgically implanted device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the fornix, which is a place in the brain that plays a central role in memory. More information … - Delirium Prevention Platform:
Delirium in hospitalized older patients is under-recognized, undertreated, and often preventable. The lack of awareness of a neurodegenerative disorder such as mild cognitive impairment or dementia in first responders with emergency medical services as well as care teams in emergency rooms may lead to compounding of adverse outcomes due to episodes of delirium. The purpose of this study is to test the utility of a technical notification platform to alert emergency responders that the person they are caring for has cognitive impairment and is thus susceptible to developing delirium so that delirium prevention protocols can be enacted. More information … - Cognitive Screening Made Easy for Primary Care Providers:
Millions of older adults with cognitive impairment go undetected by their primary care providers (PCPs). Although PCPs are aware of the need to screen for cognitive impairment, many are uncertain about which patients to assess, which tools to use, and how to communicate results. The goal of this study is to develop and validate an automated risk assessment and cognitive screening tool specifically for PCPs, making it easier for them to screen for cognitive impairment. Early identification of older adults with cognitive impairment will facilitate earlier application of appropriate interventions and participation in research trials, which has both personal and societal benefits. More information … - Assessing the Utility and Effectiveness of Dementia Patient Monitoring Technology: This multisite pilot study examined the usability and user satisfaction of a technology-based approach to assist in monitoring the location of persons living with dementia and their interactions with caregivers. Of the 66 care recipient/caregiver dyads enrolled, 41 were interviewed about their experience with the technology after 3 months of usage. Data is currently being analyzed for future publication.
The TechANS Lab is part of the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences.
Should you be interested in participating to other studies carried out please visit its Clinical and Studies pages
