As we age, brain health becomes an especially important aspect of our wellness and recovery from critical illness during and after hospitalization, and for our overall health and quality of life. That is why our research team investigates how to maximize function and accelerate the healing process, with a particular focus on brain health.
Our research team is dedicated to improving outcomes for older adults recovering from critical illness by developing and testing interventions to augment standard clinical care. Our mission is to advance geriatric care through rigorous research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered approaches.
SLEEP-COG Study
Older adults who survive hospitalization in an ICU may experience distressing symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, which may prevent them from remaining independent after discharge. Disturbances in sleep and circadian rhythm are prevalent among ICU patients and may contribute to delirium, which could result in subsequent cognitive decline. The SLEEP-COG Study will determine preliminary individual and combined effects of behavioral interventions that target sleep, circadian rhythm, and cognitive function, and will guide future clinical trials to help older adults manage these symptoms throughout recovery from critical illness.
OPTIMIZE Study
Almost 80% of ICU patients experience disturbances in circadian rhythm, which may affect cognitive function. Understanding the optimal, chronotherapeutic timing of cognitive interventions is crucial to promote circadian realignment and cognitive function, and may improve intervention feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy. The OPTIMIZE Study will examine preliminary effects of a cognitive training intervention that targets the biological circadian rhythm.