Memory in Older Adulthood and Dementia Project (Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, WSU Psychology): The project goal is to better understand memory disorders in older adulthood and to develop interventions and smart assistive technologies to help maintain independent living at home. We are looking for individuals age 50 or older who are experiencing mild memory problems or have been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease. To be in the study you must be able to speak English fluently and have no history of significant brain surgery, stroke, or brain damage sustained from a known cause other than a possible progressive dementia. Participation will involve approximately 8 hours of your time and two testing sessions. In addition to completing an interview and questionnaires, you will be asked to complete several laboratory paper and pencil tests that are like “brain teasers”, and perform everyday activities (e.g., changing a light bulb) in a smart apartment located on the WSU Pullman campus. There is no cost to participate. In return for participating you will be given results from tests of attention, memory, language, and problem-solving relative to others your age. This information may be useful in your current medical care. Scheduling is flexible and one session may occur at the WSU Spokane campus. To obtain additional information or initiate participation, please call (509) 335-4033 (extension 2).
Activities of Daily Living and Executive Abilities (Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, WSU Psychology): The project goal is to aid in the development of programs and smart assistive technologies that promote independent everyday functioning. We are seeking individuals who are experiencing difficulties with cognitive abilities (e.g., attention, memory, problem-solving). To be in the study you must be able to speak English fluently and have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease) or sustained a brain injury (e.g., head injury, stroke, anoxic event). Participation will involve approximately 12 hours of your time and three testing sessions. In addition to completing an interview and questionnaires, you will be asked to complete laboratory paper and pencil tests and perform everyday activities (e.g., changing a light bulb) in a smart apartment located on the WSU Pullman campus. There is no cost to participate. In return for participating you will be given results from tests of attention, memory, language, and problem-solving relative to others your age. This information may be useful in your current medical care. Scheduling is flexible. All testing is currently being completed at the WSU Pullman campus. To obtain additional information or initiate participation, please call (509) 335-4033 (extension 1).