The BrainHealth Project

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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For an overview of the study and link TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/ The BrainHealth Project is a ten-year, longitudinal study focused on identifying determinants of brain health and performance. Participants will have the opportunity to complete semi-annual (twice a year) online assessments to track their performance over time. In between semi-annual assessments, participants will have access to online trainings and ongoing supplemental content regarding ways to optimize brain health and performance. Online one-on-one coaching sessions will be offered to participants to answer questions and provide support in applying the information to their daily lives. A small portion of participants will be invited to participate in the brain imaging portion of this study. The main objectives are: (i) to characterize lifestyle, cognitive, and behavioral markers related to an individual's cognitive function from adolescent to elderly ages, (ii) to assess the neural/biological determinants predictive of maintenance of brain health, and (iii) to evaluate the impact of available cognitive and lifestyle interventions on improving and maintaining brain health and performance.

Detailed Description
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Description of Study: For individuals who qualify to participate, they will be asked to complete online assessments and questionnaires twice a year. In between those time points, participants will participate in online trainings, exercises, and education regarding ways to optimize brain health, as well as overall health. The assessments and trainings included in this protocol consist of the following: Assessments: BrainHealth Index ( 90 min) - An online battery of cognitive measures and questionnaires. The Clarity section looks at complex thinking capacities such as reasoning, flexibility and strategy. In this section, you will be asked to complete different cognitive tasks. The questionnaires measure other aspects of life that relate to brain health, such as emotional well-being, quality of life, happiness, social support systems, and sleep. In this section, you will rate these aspects of your own life. Participants will also complete a 5 minute assessment with BrainHQ to measure processing speed. The small group of participants who are invited to complete the brain imaging portion of the study will undergo annual brain imaging and will also complete brain gauge (in-person computer assessment). Online Trainings, habits, and resources: Trainings can be accessed through the online dashboard and include videos, exercises, and application opportunities. Trainings include strategies to efficiently manage complex information by abstracting its essential meaning rather than attempting to memorize Training will also include strategies for stress management and healthy sleep routines, as well as other brain health education and resources. Most trainings are no more than 10 minutes a day. Online Coaching: Online coaching sessions will be offered to participants. Participants can elect to take advantage of this offer to the extent they chose. For an overview of the study and LINK TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/

Official Title
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The BrainHealth Project, a Longitudinal Study in Generally Healthy Adults

Conditions
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Healthy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Brain Health Training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: English-speaking Access to an internet connect and device Able to read information and hear sounds Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosed neurodegenerative disease History of stroke, concussion, or brain injury that currently hinders you from functioning at your prior level Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and not functioning independently For an overview of the study and LINK TO REGISTER please go to -- https://brainhealth.utdallas.edu/programs/the-brainhealth-project/

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 110 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Prevention
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Online SMART Intervention & Stress Solutions<br>Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training (SMART) teaches meta-cognitive strategies for individuals to apply to their daily lives for improved performance | Behavioral: Brain Health Training<br>* On-line SMART - (Strategic Memory Advanced Reasoning Training) is a curriculum that teaches strategies of how to use the brain better, in such a way that may improve brain health and performance. SMART strives to achieve optimal cognitive function realized by the brain's ability to efficiently manage complex information by abstracting its essential meaning rather than attempting to memorize details, and to prioritize the information in order to attend to the most relevant parts. Stress Solutions - provides individuals with practical tools to enhance performance, reduce stress, build resilience and improve quality of life. Brain-Healthy Habits - daily reminders of habits you can track BrainHQ - participants will gain temporary access to the exercise-based cognitive training of BrainHQ after completing their 3rd BrainHealth Index<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| BrainHealth Index Score | We will assess change on a holistic measure of cognitive, social, well-being, and daily life health on the BrainHealth Index (BHI) across multiple timepoints. Higher score = Better outcome) | Every 6 months for 10 years | 
| Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Measure of Neural Correlations | We will assess change in regional cerebral brain blood flow (using fMRI) in correlation with gains in complex abstraction across multiple timepoints. (higher correlation = better outcome) | Every 6 months for 10 years |