Research Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to participate in various University of Alabama studies. Below are brief descriptions of some of these projects along with contact information for each.

CLINIC OFFERS MEMORY SCREENING FOR SENIORS

A no-charge memory-screening service for older adults, provided by the UA psychology department, will be offered at Capstone Village, the retirement community located on The University of Alabama campus. The memory screenings will be conducted by doctoral students in the clinical geropsychology program under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist. The screening, which is part of a research study, is expected to take between 45 minutes and one hour. People identified as potentially having memory problems will be referred for a more extensive evaluation. Those who wish to participate in this no-cost screening should phone 205/348-1921 or contact Elizabeth Di Napoli at eadinapoli@crimson.ua.edu for more information.

STUDY SEEKS YOUTH FOR IN-HOME TREATMENT OF ANXIETY, ADHD

An in-home study that uses a computer in a new treatment for anxiety and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, seeks volunteers from among children ages 8 to 12. The research study uses a computerized attention and memory training program that will be offered to study participants at no charge, and it can be used on their own home computers. UA researchers will take information from the research study and examine changes in how the brain functions before and after this treatment. To participate, or for more information, contact Dr. Matthew Jarrett, assistant professor in UA’s psychology department, at 205/348-0629 or majarrett@ua.edu.

WAYFINDING IN PERSONS WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Youth age 12-21 with Down syndrome and/or mental retardation are needed for a UA study. The study will examine wayfinding skills in young people with Down syndrome compared with matched peers. Participants will be asked to navigate a computerized environment, much like those found in popular video games. Participants who qualify for the study will complete two short tasks in one testing session and will receive a small prize for their participation. Personal information will be kept confidential and used for research purposes only. Call Megan Benson at 205/887-1453, Ed Merrill at 205/348-1932 or Fran Conners at 205/348-7913.