Seniors sought for psychology research study

A student-led research team from the psychology department is seeking participants aged 65 and older for an important research study aimed at understanding changes in brain activity and memory in relation to vascular measures. 

According to the research team, eligible participants will engage in a series of basic computer tasks while wearing specially fitted brain-imaging caps. Additionally, ultrasound imaging will assess vascular measurements in the participants’ arms. The study, supervised by Dr. Claudia Gonzalez, focuses on how brain function correlates with vascular health, a crucial area of research as our population ages.  

Participants in this study must be 65 years old or older, have normal or corrected vision, and be right-handed. Additionally, they should be proficient in English and have a minimum of 6 years of formal education. 

Individuals interested in participating must not suffer from any known neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injuries, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or mild cognitive impairments. Further, those with psychological disorders like depression or bipolar disorder are disqualified. Finally, individuals currently taking Aricept or any other psychoactive medications are not eligible to participate. 

The research team, including Parker Mills, Seray Altay, and Dr. Claudia Gonzales, are committed to a thorough investigation that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its participants. The study has been approved by TRU’s ethics board No. 102840, ensuring that all procedures meet the ethical standards for research involving human participants.

All eligible participants will benefit from complimentary parking at the research site and a $40 gift card to Tim Horton’s as a token of appreciation for their involvement. 

If you or someone you know is interested in participating in this study, please reach out for more information via email at coglab@tru.ca.