Overview
The BrainHealth Project is a longitudinal study designed to identify factors associated with brain health and cognitive performance across the lifespan. Participants complete online assessments approximately twice per year to measure changes in cognitive, behavioral, and lifestyle-related domains.
Between assessments, participants have access to digital training modules, educational resources, and optional coaching sessions. A subset of participants may be invited to participate in additional components, including neuroimaging.
For an overview of the study and link TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/
Description
Description of Study:
The BrainHealth Project is a longitudinal study designed to examine factors associated with brain health, including both maintenance and changes in cognitive function across the lifespan. Additionally, researchers aim to identify more personalized practices for promoting brain health.
The study design is informed by prior longitudinal research, namely the Framingham study, demonstrating the value of large-scale, repeated assessments in identifying modifiable factors associated with health outcomes. The goal of this study is to characterize determinants of brain health and support future research on prevention and intervention strategies.
Participants complete online assessments approximately twice per year to measure changes in cognitive performance and related domains over time. Between assessment time points, participants may engage in digital training modules, educational resources, and optional coaching sessions.
- Assessments
BrainHealth Index (\~70 min) - An online battery of cognitive measures and questionnaires. The Clarity section looks at complex thinking capacities such as reasoning, flexibility and strategy. In this section, you will be asked to complete different cognitive tasks. The questionnaires measure other aspects of life that relate to brain health, such as emotional well-being, quality of life, happiness, social support systems, and sleep. In this section, you will rate these aspects of your own life. Participants will also complete a 5 minute assessment with BrainHQ to measure processing speed.
The small group of participants who are invited to complete the brain imaging portion of the study will undergo annual brain imaging and will also complete brain gauge (in-person computer assessment). We will offer participants additional sub-studies, and they will have the opportunity to participate or not.
Additional and Exploratory Assessments:
Participants may be invited to complete additional optional surveys or behavioral tasks administered online to further characterize brain health and related behavioral, lifestyle, and biological domains. These additional assessments are exploratory in nature and are not designated as primary or secondary outcome measures.
Online Trainings, habits, and resources:
Trainings can be accessed through the online dashboard and include videos, exercises, and application opportunities. Trainings include strategies to efficiently manage complex information by abstracting its essential meaning rather than attempting to memorize Training will also include strategies for stress management and healthy sleep routines, as well as other brain health education and resources. Most trainings are no more than 10 minutes a day.
Online Coaching:
Online coaching sessions will be offered to participants. Participants can elect to take advantage of this offer to the extent they chose.
For an overview of the study and LINK TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- English-speaking
- Access to an internet connect and device
- Able to read information and hear sounds
Exclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed neurodegenerative disease
- History of stroke, concussion, or brain injury that currently hinders you from functioning at your prior level
- Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and not functioning independently
For an overview of the study and LINK TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/
