Participate in Research

FALL 2024 Actively Recruiting Research Studies

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.

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 one-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.

Healthy Lifetime

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 Super Aging 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.

SPRING 2024 Studies

The list below contains studies looking for participants. All have been reviewed and approved by the Community Advisory Board.

Supporting Caregivers of People with Dementia

ELECTRA Study

SWELCare Study

This project seeks volunteers who are Black or White living with and helping a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Participants must be Michigan residents. Study participation for the family member/friend includes completing a phone interview, training session, and completing daily life assessments for five days. Participation for the person living with dementia includes completing a memory screener, training session by phone or Zoom, and wearing a heart monitor for 5 days. Contact the team at swelcarestudy@umich.edu or (734) 936-7489.

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.

The WISDOM Study

Measuring Dementia Caregiving Styles

The goal of our study is to understand how caregivers are approaching dementia-related care and to tailor supports and services to caregiver’s unique needs. 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 survey with the option to complete a follow-up survey. Please contact sophia.tsuker@wayne.edu or call (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 long 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 call (248) 344-4159.

Michigan Men's Diabetes Project 2

Looking for older African American men with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). 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 Super Aging Research Initiative

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.

2023 Studies

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 up to 3-4 focus groups or interviews. Each focus group or interview will last approximately 1-2 hours for a total time commitment of 4-8 hours. All participants will receive a gift card. Contact Rosanne DiZazzo-Miller at ar7975@wayne.edu or (313) 993-3970

SWELCare Study

We're seeking volunteers who are Black or White living with and helping a family member or friend who has Alzheimer's or a related dementia. Participants must be Michigan residents. 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 one heart monitor on the chest for five days. Contact the team at swelcarestudy@umich.edu or (734) 936-7489.

Age and Alzheimer's Disease Risk-Related Performance on Coordination, Magnitude, and Tempora 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 aged 65-89 and have access to a computer. The study is a one-time visit that lasts up to one hour. Contact Jessica Katschke at gh9613@wayne.edu or (313) 577-9260

Community-based Approach to Early Identification of Transitions to Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease in African Americans

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 eligibility for the study. Must be Black or African American and 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 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.

Measuring Dementia Caregiving Styles

The goal of our study is to develop a questionnaire that can quickly understand how caregivers are approaching dementia related care and use this information to tailor supports and services to each caregiver's unique needs. 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@wayne.edu or call (313) 355-3557.

The Heart of Detroit Study

The WISDOM Study

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. We are looking to see how we can improve adherence to the program. This study lasts 8 weeks and requires participants to go through 20-minute weekly sessions of digital therapy for insomnia. Participants will have an initial call with the research team to set up their account for insomnia therapy. Participants may also be selected to have an exit interview. Looking for those aged 18+ who have difficulty sleeping or insomnia. Contact the team at dmeliky1@hfhs.org or call (248) 344-7366.

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. Contact the team at empower-at-home@umich.edu or (734) 215-5654.

2022 Studies

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

Research Related to Age and Risk of Alzheimer's Disease

Brain Aging: Interested in helping research on healthy aging?

If you are right-handed, native English speaker, age 50 and older, in good health with no history of neurological or cardiac problems, please call (313) 664-2649 and ask for the "Aging Brain" study or go to the Aging Brain website for more information. The study includes: MRI scan of the brain, blood tests of cholesterol and glucose, and cognitive testing. The study involves yearly follow-up visits. Participants will receive $15 per hour plus parking expenses.

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

WALLET (Wealth Accumulations & Later-life Losses in Early cognitive Transitions)

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. Wallet Study flyer. Questions? Contact Vanessa at (313) 664-2604 or vrorai@wayne.edu

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 diagnosis Alzheimer's Disease in African Americans by using electroencephalogram (EEG) and computerized assessment. We are conducting a phone-only Enhanced Screening to identify those who may be a good fit for Research Studies Looking for Participants the study when in-person visits resume. You will also complete a questionnaire to assess your experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants must be African American and 65+ years old (among other criteria). Those who complete the Enhanced Screening and COVID questionnaire will be compensated for their time.
Contact: ELECTRA Study Team at (313) 577-1692, or email ELECTRA@wayne.edu

Brain Imaging and Memory Study Adults Age 60+ Needed

Opportunity for healthy older adults with concerning memory complaints and/or a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to participate in research to learn more about aging and the brain. Participants will be compensated $80 for a 6-hour visit (split over 2 days). The study includes an MRI scan, cognitive testing and saliva collection. For more information, call (313)-664-2670 or email connectlab@wayne.edu

Brain Aging: Interested in helping research on healthy aging?

How are you coping with the COVID-19 pandemic?

Wayne State University and the University of Kentucky are studying people's social and psychological reactions to this crisis. Please help us by completing the brief, anonymous survey. Invite others to take the survey, too, and share on social media. Take the COVID-19 Experience Survey.

Supporting African American Older Adult Caregivers

African American family caregivers are needed for a research study that can be completed at home, online or in-person at Wayne State University. Participants will participate in up to 3-4 focus groups or interviews during the course of the study. Each focus group or interview will last approximately 1-2 hours for a total time commitment of approximately 4-8 hours. All participants will receive a gift card for participation. Contact: Rosanne DiZazzo - Miller at (313) 993-3970 or ar7975@wayne.edu

Aging & Changing Natural Environments in Detroit

Led by HBEC's faculty member Dr. Tam Perry, this project seeks to better understand the impacts of climate change, changing natural environ- ments, and water and housing concerns on older adults in Detroit. Open to any Detroit resident aged 55 or older to complete a survey by phone, Zoom, or mail. Complete study online or contact Evan Villeneuve at (313) 332-8267 or ee8332@wayne.edu.