qBEANS - Testing a New Screening Method for Cognitive Function
If you are interested in participating in our study, please contact Josey Batura at (435) 797-1715 or j.batura@usu.edu
What is the target age group for the qBEANS testing?
We believe this test will be most beneficial to adults aged 65 and older. This coincides with the age when many people are eligible for tests of memory and brain function at their annual wellness visits.
Is the study looking for participants?
Yes! We are looking for people to come to the Utah State University Logan campus. We need two types of participants: adults at least 65 years old, as well as people aged 18 or older who are current nursing students, Certified Nursing Assistants, or work in medical settings with older adults
At what point do the researchers think that this product will be available to the public?
We have good data that this test works well in laboratory settings to monitor cognitive function, and to predict losses associated with dementia. Through our current grant, we are determining if results from this task are valid outside of the laboratory setting. If results are promising for commercialization of this product, the company that owns the patent will also need to go through appropriate regulatory pathways. It will take time before the test will be available to the public, but the team is making good progress.
If I sign up for the study, will you be able to tell me if I have dementia?
This test is not yet approved for diagnostic purposes. Studies like ours will yield important data to determine if the tool can be used for screening in clinical settings in the future.
Where can I get tested if I have concerns about memory or dementia?
Start with your primary care physician. If you have Medicare, cognitive testing is covered at your annual wellness visit.
This study has been approved by Pearl Institutional Review Board and is funded by the National Institute on Aging (R43AG082604).
For additional resources, contact us at adrc@usu.edu