Do you feel you are experiencing changes in your memory? We are seeking individuals aged 60 and up to participate in a research study to explore the potential value of music programs (for example, learning piano or various instruments). Participation includes a brief screening visit to determine eligibility. Qualified participants will attend 12 weekly classes from May to July 2025 at the Eastman School of Music (free parking will be provided). Musical instruments will be provided for practice at home. The study also includes a follow-up visit to share your experiences with the program. Screening and follow-up visits are conducted individually at the UR School of Nursing; participants will receive $40 for their involvement in each visit (up to $80 total).
Are you aged 50 or older and noticing changes in your memory? You may qualify to participate in a research study that aims to understand the impact of daily stress on memory functions. Participants will complete brief online surveys about their mood and stress levels remotely via text message 4 times a day for 7 consecutive days. The study duration is up to 2 weeks, with a study visit before and after the survey period. Compensation is provided for participation (up to $210 total).
We are seeking individuals aged 60 to 80 years old with memory complaints or problems OR healthy individuals aged 30 to 80 years old to participate in a research study on cognitive control. The study involves a phone screening and, if qualified, two 90-minute MRI sessions on separate visits at the University’s Center for Advanced Brain Imaging and Neurophysiology. Participants will perform computer-based cognitive tasks while inside the MRI machine. Compensation is up to $160.
You may qualify for this research study if you are between the ages of 60 and 80 and had COVID at least six months ago OR, you are between the ages of 60 and 80 and never had COVID.
Study Requirements:
Up to 3 clinic visits over a 2-year period Up to 2 of the following: MRI of the brain
Up to 3 of the following: physical exam, blood draw, cognitive testing
Up to 2 phone calls in between clinic visits.
You will receive up to a total of $390 for your participation.
Study Basics: Are you 50 years of age or older? Do you experience stress related to caring for a family member with dementia? Do you also sometimes feel isolated or left out or that you lack companionship? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help researchers learn how social relationships impact feelings of stress in both positive and negative ways for those caring for somebody with dementia. Participation could last up to 6 months. Compensation provided.
Study Purpose: Our study is trying to discover how social relationships impact feelings of stress in both positive and negative ways for those caring for somebody with dementia. We hope this information will lead to better programs for caregivers.
The Social Connection Coaching Project is a clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The purpose of this study is to test whether an individual coaching program helps adults age 60 and older who live in senior living communities feel more connected to other people in ways that matter to them.
Procedures include participating in a coaching program, research assessments with surveys, and assessments completed on a cell phone. The coaching involves individual sessions with a trained Engage Coach (up to 10 sessions) that are designed to help participants improve social relationships and well-being.
All subjects will receive the scheduled baseline and follow-up interviews by the research team. These interviews will be conducted at study start, mid-way through the program at 8 weeks and after completing the program at 16 weeks. Interviews will be via Zoom/phone as well as surveys done online. We are asking participants to complete daily assessments via Jitterbug Smartphones to tell us about their activities, mood, and feelings of social connection. We will examine whether daily experiences change as a result of the coaching.
Your information will be kept secure and confidential. It will be accessible only to relevant study personnel for this research and will not be shared with other parties.
