Aging Institute Researcher Assistance Program:
Research Studies Component
Research studies contribute to knowledge. They increase our understanding of health and behavior problems. Clinical trials test new medicines or devices and are the fastest and safest way to find treatments that work. Different studies need different types of participants, including healthy persons and persons with specific health problems. Volunteers of all ages, genders, races, and ethnic groups are needed. For additional information on research on aging at the University of Pittsburgh, click here
RESEARCH STUDY PARTICIPANTS NEEDED
Do you worry too much?
Do you feel anxious, nervous, or tense? Do you have trouble sleeping or concentrating? Has this been going on for six months or longer? Researchers at UPMC are studying the effects of an antidepressant medication for the relief of anxiety symptoms in older adults. If you, or a family member, are age 60 or older and have difficulty with worry, nervousness, or anxiety, you may qualify for this study. Participants receive an evaluation and study medication and procedures at no cost. For more information, call the study coordinator at 412-246-6006.
Participants needed for depression prevention study
Researchers at UPMC are seeking subjects ages 60 or older who are currently experiencing mild symptoms of emotional distress or depression. Intervention will take place in six to eight sessions, distributed over six to 16 weeks, and involves either problem-solving therapy or dietary education. Participants will be assessed every three months over a two-year period after completion of the intervention. Subjects can earn up to $450 for completing the study. This study will help to establish whether problem-solving therapy or dietary education could qualify as a useful indicated preventive intervention for major depression in old age. For information, call the Late-Life Depression Clinic at 412-246-6006 or e-mail houleja@upmc.edu.
Hearing, speech and language research study participants sought
Researchers affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System are seeking adults age 18 years of age or older with normal or impaired hearing skills and normal or impaired communication skills due to brain injury to participate in research studies. These studies assess hearing and understanding of language, spoken language production and assessment of stroke disability. Testing will be conducted at the VA Highland Drive division (and other sites for some studies). Participants are paid for their participation. Testing takes 1-4 sessions (additional sessions for some studies if needed), 2-4 hours in length each. To participate in this study, please contact the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System at (412) 365-5117 for more details.
Incontinence Treatment Study
Are you embarrassed by difficulty controlling your bladder? Do you get a sudden urge to urinate? Are you a woman 60 or older? Urinary incontinence is a major problem for many people. We are testing biofeedback, a safe and effective treatment, to see how it helps bladder function. If you have a bladder that is difficult to control you may be eligible. The study includes an evaluation to screen for possible problems, biofeedback training, transportation and a stipend. Please call (412) 647-1271 for more information.
Do people have trouble hearing what you say?
Are you frequently asked to repeat yourself?
Is your voice weak or breathy?
Are you between the ages of 55-99?
If so, you may be eligible to participate in a paid research study being conducted in the VA Hospital in Oakland on University Drive. This research will analyze what factors influence your ability to learn a new voice task and if this task will help improve a disordered voice. You will be treated by a Speech Pathologist trained in the assessment and management of voice disorders. You will produce different sounds while watching your voice-print on a computer screen. Each week your voice box will be briefly recorded with a camera that reaches to the top of your throat. The study involves 6 treatment sessions: 5 consecutive weekly sessions with (1) 4-6 week follow-up. You will be reimbursed a total of $100 for completing the study.
If you are interested in participating, please contact project coordinator: Matthew Mc Keon, M.S., CCC-SLP 412-688-6000, x815488 matthew.mckeon@va.gov |
