USF professor leads Alzheimer's study, awarded for 'contributions to science'
A Tampa Bay area researcher and professor is making a splash in the dementia space.
University of South Florida Associate Professor of Psychology Jennifer O’Brien is helming the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training (PACT) study, buoyed by a $44.5 million National Institute on Aging grant.
The clinical trial is, according to a press release, “examining whether computerized brain training exercises can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.”
The aim is to lessen the likelihood of Alzheimer’s and find it faster, the release continues.
The PACT study is being conducted at University of South Florida, The Roskamp Institute, University of Florida, University of North Florida, Duke Health and Clemson University, and some 7,600 people are currently enrolled.
“Our research has shown that brain games may protect against dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, enhance mental quickness and visual attention, improve gait speed and balance, improve driving safety, maintain health and well-being, allow you to perform everyday tasks more efficiently, (and) protect against depression,” the website states.
O’Brien, who graduated from Bangor University and has been teaching for more than a decade, was also recently feted “for her contributions to science,” receiving the Study UK Alumni Awards in a February ceremony.