Contact: 509/335-3583, rstrenge@wsu.edu
WSU Memory Research Project Could Lead to Earlier Dementia Treatment
PULLMAN, Wash. - Researchers at Washington State University are
seeking volunteers aged 50 and over to participate in a study being
conducted in Pullman and Spokane that may lead to new techniques
and memory interventions to assist those suffering from progressive
dementia.
The research is led by Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe, associate
professor of psychology at WSU. The study is intended to provide a
better understanding of how various types of memory abilities
relate to the daily activities of older adults.
"Other research has shown that people can experience subtle
cognitive difficulties - changes in memory, language and reasoning
- as much as 10 to 15 years before being diagnosed with a
dementia," said Schmitter-Edgecombe. "With a better understanding
of the impact that these cognitive difficulties can have on
activities of everyday life, it may well be possible to develop and
teach intervention techniques in the early stages of dementia to
help prolong the independence of those suffering from the
disease."
Earlier memory intervention in the treatment of progressive
dementia could provide a number of benefits for those who suffer
from it, including improved independence, self-esteem and quality
of life, Schmitter-Edgecombe said. It could also reduce caregiver
burden and distress as well as the expense of medical treatment and
patient care.
The study requires about 120 English-speaking older adults who have
no history of significant brain surgery, brain damage of known
cause or a neurodegenerative disease, like Parkinson's disease or
Multiple Sclerosis, she said.
"We hope to recruit 40 older adults who report experiencing no
memory problems, 40 older adults who report experiencing mild
memory problems, and 40 older adults experiencing more significant
memory problems," said Schmitter-Edgecombe.
Eligibility for the study is determined through an initial
telephone screening interview, after which those who meet the
screening criteria are asked to participate in two testing sessions
lasting from two to three hours. The testing, which includes an
interview and the completion of memory and problem-solving tasks
that are like 'brain teasers,' can be conducted at either the WSU
Pullman or Spokane campus. Couples can be scheduled to participate
at the same time.
In return for volunteering their time, those who participate will
be given written information about their individual performance on
tests of attention, memory, language and problem-solving abilities
relative to others of their age. The test results may be useful to
participants in their current or future medical care. They also
will be helping researchers gain a better understanding of memory
disorders and provide a better scientific foundation for future
development of effective early memory interventions that
specifically target difficulties experienced in daily living.
Schmitter-Edgecombe said anyone interested in participating or
obtaining additional information about the study can call the WSU
research message line for the Memory and Functional Abilities in
Older Adults study at (509) 335-4033 (ext 2) and leave their name
and phone number. Calls will be returned by a member of the
research team.
Schmitter-Edgecombe joined the faculty of WSU in 1994 after earning
a doctorate in clinical psychology with specialized training in
neuropsychology from the University of Memphis. She has received
numerous grants and honors in connection with her teaching and
research, which involves evaluating attention, memory, and
executive functioning issues, and has most recently been focused on
studies of cognitive impairment and rehabilitation related to
traumatic brain injury and dementia. She is the author and
co-author of numerous publications and professional papers.