Everyday Memory Intervention for Caring Dyads


Principal Investigators:
Ann Pearman, Georgia Institute of Technology
Chris Hertzog, Georgia Institute of Technology

Collaborator:
Ken Hepburn, Emory University

This intervention is designed to help both Cognitive Empowerment Program Members and their Care Partners (caring dyads) learn new techniques to help improve their everyday memory and functioning. Investigators will teach both people strategies to manage their everyday functioning with a focus on self-regulation and dyadic interaction.

Identifying Barriers and Technological Interventions to Support Adherence Behaviors in Mild Cognitive Impairment


Investigators:
Kayci L. Vickers, Emory University School of Medicine (PI)
Dr. Felicia C. Goldstein, Emory University School of Medicine (Co-I)
Maribeth Gandy Coleman, Georgia Institute of Technology (Co-I)
Laura Levy, Georgia Institute of Technology (Co-I)

Past research has shown that up to 40% of older adults do not adhere properly to prescribed medications, and that these rates are higher among individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Although it has been less well-studied, there is growing evidence that behavioral recommendations such as changing one's diet, exercising more, becoming more cognitively active, and engaging in regular social activities are more difficult to carry out and therefore are likely to result in even higher rates of non-adherence. The proposed study aims to understand the major barriers to adherence to these types of regimens in individuals with MCI and their Care Partners, and to co-design technological solutions for overcoming these barriers.

Development and Testing of a Social Game with the Therapeutic Potential for Individuals with MCI and their Families


Investigators:
Chantal Kerssens, Georgia Institute of Technology (PI)
Maribeth Gandy Coleman, Georgia Institute of Technology (Co-I)
Laura Levy, Georgia Institute of Technology (Co-I)

Subject Matter Experts:
Cecile Janssens, Emory University
Tracy Mitzner, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Molly Perkins, Emory University School of Medicine
Suzette Binford, Emory University

The proposed project aims to create, implement and test an adapted version of a well-known game, such as Scrabble, for people with MCI and their family members. Many couples and families seek opportunities to stay active, physically and mentally, to support their brain health.

Feasibility of Using Tele-Technology for Mind-Body Interventions for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment


Investigators:
Tracy L. Mitzner, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Patricia C. Griffiths, Emory University

Group mind-body classes, such as Tai Chi and Mindfulness, have the potential to provide both physical and social health benefits. Unfortunately, there are substantial logistical, cultural, and structural barriers for adults aging with cognitive disabilities, such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), to engage in group exercise classes. Barriers include lack of transportation to classes, fear of negative stereotypes, and a dearth of instructors with appropriate training. Tele technology, such as videoconferencing with audio and video exchange, provides the opportunity for people to deliver and attend group exercise classes remotely, with great potential to support people with MCI.

Feasibility of Measuring Natural Gait Speed In-Home to Quantify Falls Risk in Individuals with MCI


Investigators:
Jon Sanford, Georgia Institute of Technology
Joe Nocera, Emory School of Medicine
Dawn Fletcher, Brain Health Center (Co-I)

The purpose of the proposed pilot project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using continuous measures of naturalistic gait speed during an individual's normal, everyday activity in the home environment and if the captured measures can provide a more reliable assessment of mobility and fall risk in individuals with MCI.