The list below contains studies looking for participants. All have been reviewed and approved by our Community Advisory Board. Please contact the specific person listed after each study you are interested in.

SPRING 2024 (April 2, 2024)

The Affective and Sociomaterial Aftermath of Elder Financial Fraud and Scams: This project seeks to uncover what older adults do after falling victim to such frauds or scams and what resources they utilize in response. Participation includes a survey, an hour-long interview, and a seven-day diary study (that should take 15-25 minutes to complete each day). If you're an older adult (65+) who has recently experienced fraud or scams (online, over the phone, or in person), contact the team at samank@umich.edu or call ‪(734) 330-2085.

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare Study: We are studying how primary caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias choose insurance and arrange health care services for their loved one. After a brief eligibility survey, you will be asked to complete a 1-hour interview and compensated with a $100 gift card. Contact Lorrie Carbone at lbrach@med.umich.edu or (888) 231-8707.

Shared Lives and Everyday Experiences in Partners (SLEEP) Study: This study aims to learn more about the daily experiences and sleep patterns of couples living with dementia, along with how these factors influence well-being and brain health over time. Recruiting couples currently residing in Michigan who are age 60 or older with one partner living with symptoms of dementia (with or without a diagnosis of dementia). This study is mostly completed over the phone and at home with in-person cognitive assessments in Ann Arbor once a year for three years. Contact Charity Garner at UMsleepstudy@umich.edu or (734) 232-0532.

STEPS-CI Chronic Pain Program: This study is seeking adults 50 and older who have both chronic pain and memory problems. We are testing a new telephone-based educational program that teaches skills to live better with chronic pain. This program is designed especially for people who also have mild to moderate memory issues. Participants will be randomly assigned to either 7 weekly telephone sessions with a health coach, or a one-time workshop. All participants will be invited to complete two telephone surveys. Compensation up to $80 provided. Contact steps-ci-team@umich.edu or (844) 862-2737.

Resilience in Sleep and Everyday Life (RISE) Care Partner Study: This study aims to learn more about the daily experiences and sleep patterns of Black care partners and people living with dementia. Recruiting care partners currently residing in Michigan who reside with and support people with symptoms of dementia (with or without a diagnosis of dementia). Study can be completed entirely by telephone. Contact Charity Garner at risecarepartnerstudy@umich.edu or (734) 232-0532.

Supporting Caregivers of People with Dementia: Family caregivers are needed for a study that can be completed at home, online or in person at Wayne State University. Study entails participating in up to 3-4 focus groups or interviews. All participants will receive a gift card. Contact Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller at ar7975@wayne.edu or (313) 993-3970.

HealthyLifetime: A 4-month study where you work with a UM Nurse Coach to set healthy living goals while tracking your progress. Participants complete surveys and health coaching sessions via Zoom with a nurse and will be compensated with a $75 gift card. Must be 30+ years old, have Medicare and/or Medicaid insurance, one chronic health condition, and ability to use Zoom. Contact Alexis Ellis at alexisel@med.umich.edu or (734) 615-0085.

ELECTRA Study: This research seeks to improve the way we diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease in Black and African American adults by using electroencephalogram (EEG) and computerized assessment. Must be 65+ years old (among other criteria). Those who complete the in-person visits will be compensated. Contact the ELECTRA Study Team at ELECTRA@wayne.edu or (313) 577-1692.

The WISDOM Study: This study is working to improve breast cancer detection and prevention for all women. Participants have the option to learn their genetic risk of getting breast cancer, receive recommendations for when and how often to get screened, and learn strategies to reduce their breast cancer risk. Participation takes less than one hour a year and can be done almost entirely online. Looking for women aged 40 to 74 who have never had breast cancer. Sign up or learn more at www.thewisdomstudy.org; or call (855) 729-2844.

Enhancing Digital CBT-I to improve Adherence and Reduce Disparities: This project seeks to understand how different people interact with internet-based treatment for insomnia. This study lasts 8 weeks and requires participants to go through 20-minute-long weekly sessions of digital therapy for insomnia. Looking for those aged 18+ who have difficulty sleeping or insomnia. Contact the team at hfhscoach@gmail.com or call (248)579-5539.

The SuperAging Research Initiative: What contributes to excellent memory in older age? We need your help to find out! You may be eligible if you are: aged 80 or over, cognitively healthy and actively engaged in life, and fluent in English. The study involves visiting our Center every 2 years, memory tests, surveys, blood collection, and MRI brain scan (if eligible). Contact us at SuperagingUM@med.umich.edu or (734) 764-6157.

The Detroit VIP Study: Doing volunteer work is known to have health benefits for older adults. We are interviewing via telephone or Zoom older Black men (at least 55 years old) in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County who currently do volunteer work or want to do volunteer work in the near future. Participants complete a 5-minute questionnaire and a one-hour interview and will be compensated. Contact Erika Karoll at karoller@wayne.edu or (313) 389-6491.

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FALL 2023

Memory and Alzheimer’s Disease – This study seeks to determine how the ability to learn and remember new associations between concepts is related to risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The study involves a 10-minute online survey followed by a 1 to 1.5 hour Zoom meeting where you will complete tests of memory and other thinking skills. Participants must be English-speaking, age 65-89, and have access to a computer with a keyboard. Anyone with a direct family history of Alzheimer’s disease is encouraged to participate. Contact Kylie Kadey at (313) 577-9260.

Supporting Caregivers of People with Dementia – Family caregivers are needed for a study that can be completed at home, online or in person at Wayne State University. Participants will be asked to participate in 3 to 4 focus groups or interviews. Each focus group or interview will last approximately 1-2 hours for a total time commitment of 4-8 hours. Contact Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller at ar7975@wayne.edu or (313) 993-3970.

Age and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk- Related Performance on Coordination, Magnitude, and Temporal Relational Framing Tasks – This project examines how people learn new relationships between concepts not previously taught. Participants complete a survey online and a 1-hour Zoom meeting with a researcher to complete different cognitive tasks. Must be aged 65-89 and have access to a computer. Contact Jessica Katschke at gh9613@wayne.ed or (313) 577-9260.

ELECTRA Study – This research seeks to improve the way we diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease in Black and African American adults by using electroencephalogram (EEG) and computerized assessment. Must be 65+ years old (among other criteria). Those who complete the in-person visits will be compensated. Contact the ELECTRA Study Team at ELECTRA@wayne.edu or (313) 577-1692.

The WISDOM Study – This study is working to improve breast cancer detection and prevention for all women. Participants have the option to learn their genetic risk of getting breast cancer, receive recommendations for when and how often to get screened, and learn strategies to reduce their breast cancer risk. Participation takes less than one hour a year and can be done almost entirely online. Looking for women aged 40 to 74 who have never had breast cancer. Sign up at www.thewisdomstudy.org; email questions to info@wisdomstudy.org or (855) 729-2844.

The Heart of Detroit Study – This project aims to investigate the connections between daily social environments, life experiences, and cardiovascular health among African American adults living in the Detroit area. You might be eligible if you are between 55-75 years old and reside in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties. To learn more, call (313) 577-3334.

Measuring Dementia Caregiving Styles – This study aims to develop a questionnaire that can quickly understand how caregivers are approaching dementia-related care. Looking for unpaid caregivers currently providing some form of physical assistance, emotional support, or financial assistance for a family member or friend who has a doctor’s diagnosis of an age-related dementia. Participation involves a 75-minute survey with the option to complete a 20-minute follow-up survey. Contact Sophia Tsuker at sophia.tsuker@wayne.edu or (313) 355-3557.

Enhancing Digital CBT-I to Improve Adherence and Reduce Disparities – This project seeks to understand how different people interact with internet-based treatment for insomnia. This study lasts 8 weeks and requires participants to go through 20-minute weekly sessions of digital therapy for insomnia. Looking for those aged 18+ who have difficulty sleeping or insomnia. Contact the team at abayone1@hfhs.org or (248) 344-4159.

Understanding Bias and Empathy in Healthcare Experiences among Black Americans – Recruiting individuals for a virtual interview about their healthcare experiences and the potential for technology to support more empathetic health interactions. Participants will be asked to participate in a 90-minute interview and compensated $50 in a gift card. Contact Dr. Christina Harrington at charring@andrew.cmu.edu.

Credibility and Voice Assistants – This study asks questions about how voice assistants like Siri and Alexa can give better responses when older adults are searching for information. In a 30-minute virtual interview, participants will listen to recordings and give feedback on how credible or trustworthy the information sounds. Must be over the age of 65 and live in the United States. To complete the screening survey, contact Dr. Robin Brewer at VoiceTech@umich.edu or (734) 615-1299.

SWELCare Study – Seeking volunteers who are Black or White living with and helping a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s or a related dementia in Michigan. Participation for the family member/friend includes a phone interview (1.5 to 2 hours), a training session by phone or Zoom (1.5 to 2 hours) and completing daily life assessments for 5 days. Participation for the person living with dementia includes completing a memory screener (10-12 minutes), a training session by phone or Zoom (20 minutes) and wearing a heart monitor on the chest for 5 days. Contact the team at swelcarestudy@umich.edu or (734) 936-7489.

The SuperAging Research Initiative – What contributes to excellent memory in older age? We need your help to find out! You may be eligible if you are aged 80 or over, cognitively healthy, actively engaged in life, and fluent in English. The study involves visiting our Center every 2 years, thinking and memory tests, surveys, blood collection, and an MRI brain scan (if eligible). Contact us at SuperagingUM@med.umich.edu or (734) 764-6157.

Michigan Men’s Diabetes Project 2 – Looking for older African American men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This study aims to adapt and refine a diabetes self-management support intervention and will then conduct a randomized control trial of the adapted intervention. This study will utilize data from in-depth interviews and anthropometric, clinical, and survey measures. Contact Kate Kloss at klossk@umich.edu or (734) 647-4843.

The Detroit VIP Study – In this study, we are interviewing Black older adults (at least 55 years old) in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb County who currently do volunteer work or want to do volunteer work in the near future. This project will include a 5-minute questionnaire and a one-hour interview. Study completed via zoom or telephone. Participants will be compensated. Contact Erika Karoll at karoller@wayne.edu or (313) 389-6491.

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FALL 2022

Supporting Caregivers of People with Dementia – This study will result in the design and implementation of a web-based training program designed by African American caregivers, addressing the historical lack of access to culturally relevant information to this population. The goal of this training is to increase caregivers' knowledge and confidence about providing safe and compassionate care. Looking for English-speaking adults who informally care for an individual with a dementia diagnosis. Study can be completed online or in person. Participants will be compensated.
Contact Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller at ar7975@wayne.edu or (313) 993-3970.

The WALLET Study – People who experience a decline in memory or thinking skills may unknowingly also experience a decline in taking care of their finances. This study will review the past 12 months of your bank statements and administer some psychological and cognitive tests. Looking for English-speaking adults aged 60 or older. Study completed by telephone. Participants will be compensated.
Contact Vanessa Rorai at vrorai@wayne.edu or (313) 664-2604.

Age-and Alzheimer's Disease Risk-Related Performance on Coordination, Magnitude, and Temporal Relational Framing Tasks – This project examines how people learn new relationships between concepts not previously taught. Participants are asked to complete a survey online and work with a researcher over Zoom to complete different cognitive tasks. Participants must be 65- 89 and have access to a computer. The study is a one-time visit that lasts up to one hour. For more information on how to participate, please contact Jessica Katschke at gh9613@wayne.edu or  (313) 577-9260.

Experiences of Aging in Society  –  This project studies how societal beliefs about aging and older adults can affect people's lives and their health. The first part of this project involves a 20-30 minute survey. The second part (optional) involves a brief second survey or an interview. Participants must be ages 50+ and U.S. citizens. For more information or to participate, please contact the team at StressHealthDisparitiesLab@ ou.edu, or call toll free at (833) 743-1008.

Community-based Approach to Early Identification of Transitions to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease in African Americans, COVID Sub-Protocol  –  This research seeks to improve the way we diagnose Alzheimer's Disease in Black and African American adults by using electroencephalogram (EEG) and computerized assessment. We are conducting phone-only screenings to identify the eligibility of those who may be a good fit for the study. Participants must be Black or African American and 65+ years old (among other criteria). Those who complete the in-person visits will be compensated for their time. Contact the ELECTRA Study Team at (313) 577-1692, or email ELECTRA@wayne.edu.

Empower@Home  –  This project seeks volunteers to try an online interactive educational program. This new program, called Empower@Home, could lift your spirits and make you feel happier and more connected. Participants will try the program for up to 10 weeks, answer three surveys, and get paid up to $100 for participation. No prior computer experience is required. Tablet and internet will be provided for free as needed. No cost and no travel are needed for participation. For more information, please contact the team at empower-at-home@umich. edu or call (734) 215-5654.

The WISDOM Study  –  This study's goal is to change the way breast cancer is detected by identifying the safest and most effective breast cancer detection tools for each woman. Looking for women aged 40 to 74. All participants will add any previous mammograms to their health history and will complete an annual health survey that includes a saliva DNA test for a genetic risk assessment, and an assessment of other risk factors. To join the study or get  more information visit www.thewisdomstudy.org or call (313) 664-2616.

The Heart of Detroit Study  –  This project aims to investigate the connections between daily social environments, life experiences, and cardiovascular health among African American adults living in the Detroit area. You might be eligible if you are between 55-75 years old and reside in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties. To learn more, please call (313) 577-3334