What is Brain Builders?
The Brain Builders program is a research study, funded by a generous grant from The Deseret Foundation and The Roy W. Simmons Endowment for Geriatric Research and and under the direction of Kelly Davis Garrett, Ph.D., Cherie Brunker, M.D., and Frank Yanowitz, M.D. Persons with memory loss and in generally good health volunteer to participate in an exercise program for 5 to 6 months. Their memory, thinking abilities, activities, and attitudes will be measured before the exercise program begins, and 5 to 6 months later. Someone who is able to give information about the daily activities of the person with (such as a husband, wife, or adult child) is also asked to help complete questionnaires at the beginning and end of the Brain Builders program. The Brain Builders program is run by experts in the medical care of older adults (Geriatric Medicine), memory and cognitive functioning (Neuropsychology), and restoring heart function after disease or injury like heart attack (Cardiac Rehabilitation). Trained technicians will assist with gathering information, overseeing, and tracking the exercise sessions.
How do I enroll in the Brain Builders Program?
Print out the screening and consent forms below and complete it with your primary physician.
Who can participate?
Men and women ages 65 to 89 who have been diagnosed with memory loss (consistent with mild-stage probable Alzheimer's disease) and who are in generally good health can participate with permission from their physician and if other research study criteria are met.
Why should I do it?
Alzheimer's disease has no cure, but there are treatments that can help keep those with Alzheimer's as sharp as they are now for as long as possible. We think exercise is one of those treatments, so those with Alzheimer's may be able to stay sharp, or to not lose their memory as quickly, as others with Alzheimer's because they've been in an exercise program. On the other hand, there may not be any benefit of an exercise program to treat memory loss. We're doing the research study to help figure out if an exercise program can make a difference or not. Because this is a research study, some will be chosen (at random) to participate in the exercise program, while others will not. Those who qualify, volunteer for the program, and are randomly chosen will receive an exercise program, valued at over $2,700, free of charge. Once participants finish the program (regardless whether they were in the exercise group or not), including the post-Brain Builders memory testing session, study volunteers will receive $100 as a "thank you" gift for participating in the Brain Builders program.
If you choose to participate in the Brain Builders program, you will have the opportunity to meet others, to cheer them on and to get encouragement from them as you work toward building your brain and improving well-being. Once participants have graduated from the program, they can schedule a one-on-one session with our study staff to hear about how their memory and thinking ability has changed since your participation in the Brain Builders program, even if they weren't chosen to do the exercise program.
Where is it? How do I contact the Brain Builders Staff?
The Brain Builders exercise program is located at LDS Hospital, in the Employee Fitness Center/Cardiac Rehab Gym. LDS Hospital is at 8th Avenue and C Street, in the Avenues near downtown Salt Lake City. Free valet parking is available to participants and their companions. The Employee Fitness Center/Cardiac Rehab Gym is located in the basement. From the main hospital entrance at 8th Avenue and C Street, take the Main elevators to the B floor. Turn right and proceed about 50 feet to the Employee Fitness Center/Cardiac Rehab Gym, whose door is on the right. The door is open on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays, but knock on other days you have an appointment with our staff. Pre- and Post-Brain Builders program memory and thinking testing occurs on the NeuroRehabilitation Unit, on the North side of the 4th floor of LDS Hospital. From the main hospital entrance at 8th Avenue and C Street, go past the welcome desk and turn left (north) down the carpeted hallway with portraits to the Central Elevators (a few steps after the carpet ends). Take the Central Elevators up to the 4th floor, and exit to the left to the Outpatient Geriatric Medicine Clinic waiting area, where our study staff will meet with you.
If you have additional questions, or want to volunteer for the program, download our Frequently Asked Questions document below:
For more information call (801) 408-5498