USF Looks to Prevent Dementia

Researchers at the USF St. Pete campus are looking for volunteers to help find ways to prevent dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease.  Adults ages 65+ are needed for the Preventing Alzheimer's with Cognitive Training (PACT) study to see if computerized training exercises can reduce the risk of dementia.  If you qualify to help, you will complete 3 study visits lasting no more than 2 hours each at the USF St. Pete PACT study location, and 45 one-hour sessions on your own, in your own home, over the next 3 years.

The research has discovered some potential benefits of computerized training exercises also known as brain games:

• Protect against dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease
• Enhance mental quickness and visual attention
• Improve gait speed and balance
• Improve driving safety
• Maintain health and well-being
• Allow you to perform everyday tasks more efficiently
• Protect against depression

Your volunteerism could help find a way to prevent Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, which are among the most expensive medical conditions to treat — along with heart disease, diabetes and cancer. These diseases also are becoming more and more common. Call 727-873-4090 and/or visit pactstudy.org for more information.

Also, if you are interested in having a presentation on brain health in later life for your group/organization, please contact Dr. Jennifer O'Brien jenobrien@usf.edu.