Galloway, N.J. – Stockton University is seeking volunteers between 35 and 64 years of age to participate in a research project on brain health at Stockton University’s Galloway campus, 101 Vera King Farris Drive.

This research experiment is designed to explore the role of different lifestyle factors in protecting brain health and cognitive function as people transition from middle age into older adulthood. 

The research project is being directed by Associate Professor of Psychology Jessica Fleck. Dr. Fleck has been a member of the Psychology Program at Stockton University since 2006. In addition to researching brain health throughout the lifespan, Dr. Fleck is also an active researcher of creativity enhancement and attention.

The National Institute on Aging suggests that changes in the physical brain may occur a decade or more before cognitive functioning is affected. Early detection of changes in the physical brain is a key to long-term health and vitality.

The goal of this experiment is to learn more about the physiological changes in the brain that occur during aging and how lifestyle choices serve to protect the brain. The study is comprised of two sessions; each session will take place at Stockton’s Galloway campus and will be roughly an hour long.

In the first session, participants will have their brain activity recorded with a brain imaging device called an EEG. This noninvasive device measures electrical activity from the brain using sensors that sit on top of the scalp. Psychological assessments of memory and thinking will be administered in a second session. Participants who score outside the normal range for their age will be provided with referrals for further neurological assessment.

For this project, participants must be between 35-64 years of age, have had no diagnosis of dementia, neurological disorder, or traumatic brain injury, and have not experienced more than one concussion. The study is seeking male and female participants of all races and ethnicities to provide a broad representation of the population. Participants who are left-handed are also sought since they are typically underrepresented in research on brain health.

To learn more, contact Dr. Jessica Fleck and the Brain Research Team at (609) 626-3444 or eeglab@stockton.edu. Interested community members can also register for the project through the research website at www.stockton.edu/brainresearch

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Contact:
Diane D’Amico
Director of News and Media Relations
Galloway, N.J. 08205
Diane.D’Amico@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
stockton.edu/media