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Research / Discovery

Study on 'use it or lose it' and aging

September 13, 2012

Activity Characteristics & Cognition Study

CSU's Department of Human Development and Family Studies is seeking adults aged 60 and older for a study looking at different ways of learning how active individuals are. The study will investigate which method is most related to cognitive abilities like memory, reasoning, and learning.

You are eligible to participate if you are:

• Healthy
• 60 years of age and older
• Fluent in English
• Have good eyesight and hearing (using glasses or hearing aids is okay)
• Are not a full-time caregiver
• Have not been diagnosed with any type of dementia, psychotic mental disorder, or personality disorder

The study involves three parts:

- First Interview: Participants will complete a one-on-one interview of psychological and health questionnaires at the Fort Collins Senior Center.

- Week 1: Participants will log in to an online survey site every day for 7 days and complete brief survey of memory tests and questionnaires. (There is also a paper option.)

- Week 2: Participants will keep a simple diary of their daily activities for 7 days.

The information collected will be used to figure out which parts of activities show the strongest link to cognitive abilities. We will then be able to give older adults recommendations about what they should try to have in their own daily schedule to promote cognitive health.

Recruitment will be ongoing until April 2013. Participants can earn up to $60 with bonus opportunities to earn up to three entries to win one of 15 $35 prizes.

If you think you might be interested, please contact Rachel or Sarah at cahs-hdfs_activity_study@mail.colostate.edu or (970) 491-2804, or Dr. Allison Bielak, allison.bielak@colostate.edu; (970) 491-7608.

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Contact: Dr. Allison Bielak
Email: cahs-hdfs_activity_study@mail.colostate.edu
Phone: (970) 491-2804