How can you make a difference in the fight against dementia?
Roskamp Institute August 8, 2024 – The Roskamp Institute is extending its recruitment efforts of healthy older adult volunteers from its local areas to play a crucial role in the landmark Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study through December of 2024.
This study, funded by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health, examines whether computerized brain training exercises can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Last year, additional funding was awarded to study blood markers for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
This is the largest study of its kind to date, investigating not only how to possibly prevent dementia but also how to detect it earlier, with a commitment to ensuring all groups are represented in the study.
Roskamp Institute’s PACT study recruitment window extension will increase the expected study enrollment from 136 to 265 over the next six months. To qualify, participants must be 65 or older with no signs of cognitive impairment or dementia. There is an emphasis on enrolling African American/Black and Hispanic study participants. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these populations are at the highest risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
“We are thrilled to extend our recruitment efforts for the PACT study through December 2024, and we are incredibly grateful to all of the volunteers who have already joined us in this important work. Their commitment to advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease is invaluable. With this extension, we have a unique opportunity to engage even more participants, particularly from communities at higher risk, and ensure that our research reflects the diversity of those most affected by dementia. We are hopeful that this study will not only contribute to the prevention of cognitive decline but also pave the way for earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease, ultimately impacting countless lives for the better.” – Dr. Laila Abdullah, Ph.D.
Those interested in the study may participate at Roskamp Institute located at 2040 Whitfield Avenue, Sarasota FL 34243. Site staff are ready to engage with the community and enroll participants during this extended recruitment.
PACT participants will be asked to initially come to two in-person study visits. They will then complete computerized training exercises in their own home, or they may choose to complete activities at a study site. Participants will be asked to return about three years later for a third study visit.
More information is available at the PACT study website, www.pactstudy.org, or by calling 941-500-4447
The PACT study is supported by the National Institute on Aging, part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant number R01AG070349. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Media Contact:
Alix Redmonde
Phone: (941)-752-2949 Ext.3083
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