Improving Assessment of Subjective Memory Impairment for Detecting Alzheimer’s Disease
The Daily Memory Lapses project examines different types of memory problems, such as where you placed your keys or why you entered a room, to see how often they occur and whether they have an impact on your day.
The Link between Memory Perceptions and Alzheimer’s Risks
This project seeks to test relationships among perceptions of memory performance, the development of modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, and actual memory decline in a large, diverse group of older adults.
The Impact of Subjective Cognitive Impairment on the Daily Lives of Older Adults
The purpose of this study is to explore the daily experiences of community-dwelling older adults with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI).
Previous and Associated Projects
Establishing Community-Based Research Networks
Principal Investigator: Dr. Nikki Hill
The goal of this project is to establish community-based research networks across Pennsylvania, including training for research nurses as well as community stakeholders, and connecting established networks with the Penn State research community to augment the development of robust research designed to meet the needs of specific communities.
Funded by: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
Improving Healthy Lifestyles of Older Adults
Co-Investigator: Dr. Nikki Hill
This project is led by Dr. Martin Sliwinski and Dr. Richard Schulz. It is one of six projects funded under the Mid-Atlantic Geriatric Workforce Development Center. The aim of this project is to develop a model training program for senior center and continuing care retirement community personnel to promote health among rural-residing older adults.
Funded by: Health Resources and Services Administration Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program
Einstein Aging Study
Co-Investigator: Dr. Jacqueline Mogle
The Einstein Aging Study, led by Dr. Martin Sliwinski and Dr. Richard Lipton, has long focused on the risk factors and cognitive changes that predict the subsequent onset of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The overall goal of this study is to use ambulatory methods to improve the detection and definition of the cognitive states associated with preclinical AD and to better characterize the role of novel and remediable risk factors on the preclinical onset of AD.
Funded by: National Institutes of Health
Integrative Pathways to Health and Illness
Co-Investigator: Dr. Jacqueline Mogle
This objective of the Daily Diary Project is to understand specific pathways linking behavioral and psychosocial factors with biological indicators to determine how short term fluctuations in stress processes impact longer term health and function in midlife and aging.
Funded by: National Institutes of Health
Parenting, Child Sleep, and Transition to Kindergarten
Co-Investigator: Dr. Jacqueline Mogle
This study is examining the unique role of child sleep as a predictor of children’s adjustment to kindergarten across the full transitional year. In addition, the information this research provides on the role of parenting and parental distress in shaping children’s sleep will directly inform the development of family-based interventions targeting parenting, child sleep, and school adjustment.
Funded by: National Institutes of Health
Interviews about Memory to Improve Detection of Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Investigative Team: Dr. Prasenjit Mitra, Dr. Jacqueline Mogle, Dr. Nikki Hill
To improve early identification of Alzheimer’s disease, we must identify subtle memory problems that are indicative of future cognitive decline. We are conducting individual in-depth interviews exploring older adults’ experiences with memory problems. Transcripts of these interviews will be analyzed using deep learning text mining analysis techniques. This approach will aid in the development of efficient and reproducible methods to incorporate interviews and thematic analysis via computer-assisted coding into future longitudinal mixed methods research.
Funded by: PSU College of Information Sciences & Technology
Understanding Cognitive Complaints in Older Adults
Investigative Team: Dr. Nikki Hill, Dr. Jacqueline Mogle, Dr. Lisa Kitko, Dr. Kimberly Van Haitsma
This study is exploring how community-dwelling older adults with varying degrees of cognitive complaints interpret questions about their memory. There is currently no standard approach for the assessment of subjective cognitive impairment (the perception of memory/thinking problems). Through better understanding of how older adults answer questions about self-reported memory problems, we aim to improve current models of SCI assessment.
Funded by: National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence, PSU Social Sciences Research Institute, PSU Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing
My Day: A Mobile Memory Support Program
Investigative Team: Dr. Nikki Hill, Dr. John Hannan, Dr. Jacqueline Mogle
My Day is a memory support app that was developed by our research team to provide customized reminders for older adults with memory concerns. Over a period of four weeks, our research team met with study participants to help them incorporate My Day features into their daily lives to achieve their goals, as well as to obtain valuable feedback on user satisfaction and barriers/facilitators to use.
Funded by: National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence