What is the goal of the BRAIN Study?
The goal of the BRAIN Study is to improve the quality of life of persons with memory issues. We aim to do this by creating an app that customizes activities for each person through the use of Artificial Intelligence.
What if my loved one doesn’t know how to use a tablet computer?
There is no need to worry! The BRAIN app is very easy to use and has been used successfully by many persons with memory issues in pilot research. Also, a staff member will be with your loved one when he/she is using the app. So, if your loved one is ever unsure of what to do, the staff member will help him / her out!
How will the app use Artificial Intelligence?
When your loved one first enrolls in the study, we will gather background information about him / her by asking your loved one, a staff member, and/or a family member. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence, the app will automatically suggest activities based upon a person's background and interests. For example, we might learn that your loved one is a retired teacher who loves animals and often used to travel to Europe. As a retired teacher who loves animals and travelled to Europe, the app might suggest a Viva Story story titled "All About Pets" and an It's Your Choice activity titled “Good Vacation Location or Not?” Then, when your loved one actually uses the BRAIN app, the tablet’s built-in camera and mic will be used to determine whether your loved one is actually enjoying the suggested activities. That is, the app will determine if he / she is looking at the tablet, speaking about the activity, and so on. If the Artificial Intelligence on the BRAIN app determines that the activity was successful, similar activities will be recommended in the future. If it determines the activity was not successful, it will recommend different activities next time. By using this approach, the app will eventually identify activities that are perfectly customized for your loved one!
How long will my loved one participate in the BRAIN Study? And what would be involved?
If you enroll your loved one in the study, he / she will participate in the study for about three months. During the first month, a researcher will interview your loved one for 15-20 minutes. We will also gather some information about your loved one from his / her medical records. After this, your loved one will be invited to use the BRAIN app three times per week for three months. The activities are designed specifically for use with persons with memory issues. The activities will be tailored as much as possible to your loved one's interests and background. Your loved one will be able to decide if he / she wishes to participate each time an activity is offered.
Which activities are included in the BRAIN app?
The BRAIN app includes a variety of different activities, for persons with all levels of memory issues. The activities have been developed by the research team in NIH-funded research over the course of the last 20 years. Furthermore, the specific content included in each activity will be tailored to the specific interests of your loved one. For examples of the activities used in the BRAIN app, go to the Sample Activities page of the website.
What is required of me (the family member)?
As the family member of the person living with memory issues, we first need you to enroll your loved one in the study by signing the consent form. You can do this online by going to the Enroll Your Loved One Now link below.
How can I learn more?
To learn more about the BRAIN Study, read the study’s informed consent form by clicking the button below. Or you can contact the Principal Investigator, Michael Skrajner, at info@hopefulaging.com or 844-358-7766. If you have questions about your loved one’s rights as a research subject, you can contact The Heartland Institutional Review Board (an ethics committee that oversees this study) at 866-618-HIRB or director@heartlandirb.org.