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BNA: Brain Mapping for Older Adults

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH STUDY USING BRAIN MAPPING TECHNOLOGY

The Villages Health is recruiting volunteers for a clinical trial using Brain Network Activation to better understand aging brain health.

What is Brain Network Activation?

Brain Network Activation – or BNA – is an innovative method of measuring brain functioning. BNA allows researchers to create a map of what a functioning brain looks like when it responds to a stimulus such as a picture or sound.

BNA


Currently, BNA is used for assessment and research of brain function in medical conditions like head injury (such as concussion), depression, Parkinson's disease, pain. Regular BNA sessions allow physicians to track recovery of brain function over time, as in the picture above.

What are the study goals?

The purpose of this study is:

  • To gain an understanding of the aging brain
  • To identify changes in the brain that may indicate disease onset

How will this study benefit you?

This study has the ability to help individual participants and the greater community. The benefits include:

  • Access to your personal BNA report
  • The potential to help other older adults age successfully and healthily
  • Increase clinical understanding of the aging brain and the normal changes that occur throughout the aging process
  • Increase knowledge of brain changes at the onset and progression of health conditions

What does participation require?

Most participants will be required to attend 4-5 study visits over a 15 month period. Each visit will take approximately 2 hours.

As a participant, you will be asked to complete a health assessment, including physical and mental health surveys and a memory screening, and the brain mapping process, which involves doing a series of simple computer tasks during an EEG recording.

The EEG recording is painless and noninvasive, like those in a standard doctor's office. We use an electrode net, like the one pictured below, to record the electrical activity in the brain.

Who is eligible to participate?

Participation is open to individuals that:

  • Live in The Villages
  • Are aged 50-84
  • Speak English
  • Are able to provide informed consent

For more information, please contact:
The Villages Health Research Unit
Phone: (352) 247-2493 or Email: villagesresearch@gmail.com
You can also visit to learn more about BNAâ„¢ technology.