Scientists Ask Members of the Lakewood Ranch Community to Participate in the Brain Health Initiative Pilot Study

A comprehensive study of Lakewood Ranch adult residents will launch this spring when the Brain Health Initiative (BHI) kicks off its pilot study to learn more about brain health. The pilot study examines the ways Lakewood Ranch residents function mentally, socially, cognitively, and overall, as well as the factors in people’s lives that present risk or promote resilience in brain health and performance. Epidemiologist and Research Director of the Brain Health Initiative, Dr. Erin Dunn, shares that adult residents of the community will be randomly selected to participate in a confidential, online questionnaire about their health, lifestyle and well-being, and complete a series of cognitive computer games. The web-based survey includes questions about health habits, medical conditions, social relationships, recreational activities, and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those participating will also be asked to share information about health behaviors such as exercise, nutrition, smoking, alcohol usage, sleep patterns, as well as demographic information. Neuropsychologist, founder and Executive Director of the Brain Health Initiative, Dr. Stephanie Peabody, encourages those residents who receive a recruitment letter to stand up for their own brain health. By participating in the study, they also will be helping to inform the science that is essential to promoting and protecting brain health and fighting brain illness. “Community participation is a critical component of the BHI,” Dr. Peabody said. “The pilot study will help us capture risk and protective factors linked to brain health across multiple domains, including biological, psychological, behavioral, cognitive, and social factors. We will be incorporating key ‘lessons learned’ from other successful community-based, population health projects, including the Framingham Heart Study, and Shape Up Somerville to identify ways to protect our brain health across the lifespan at the individual and community level.” The pilot study is phase two of BHI’s Longitudinal Study. Phase one pre-pilot information was used to design the pilot study. It also identified community coalition members and brain health champions. Community coalition members are lending their support to the pilot study. Dr. Peabody further shares, “The survey data collected during this pilot study will serve as the basis for the next phase. Phase three will focus on a long-term study of brain health across the Florida Suncoast region. Through the BHI’s Brain Health Innovation Lab, the region’s residents, workforce and visitors (young and older) will have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials that promote brain health, fight brain illness and optimize performance.” Dr. Dunn continues, “Understanding what causes brain health problems and how best to prevent brain disease remains one of the biggest medical mysteries of our time. Especially now – when discoveries related to the brain are critically needed worldwide – I hope every community member who is contacted will step-up to help our team of scientists, and our region, by participating in this study.”