Help Us Better Understand the Aging Brain

Volunteers, preferrably age 45+ Needed for a Brain Function Research Study

We are looking for volunteers to participate in a research project exploring how brain function changes across the adult lifespan.

Today, relatively few fNIRS datasets include substantial numbers of adults over age 45. We want to help change that by building a more age-diverse dataset of brain-function measurements.

The long-term goal is to use these data to develop Brain Age models that compare patterns of brain function with those observed across different ages.

Participation takes approximately 30 minutes, is non-invasive, and involves at least one in-person session.

What is Brain Age?

We all know our chronological age—but our patterns of brain function can vary considerably from person to person, lifestyle choices like sleep, exercise, alcohol use; metabolic health like blood pressure and glucose levels; and environment factors. Temporary changes in the patterns are observed with acute stressors like jet lag, binge drinking, dehydration etc.

Our research is exploring whether measurements of brain activity can eventually be used to estimate a person's Brain Age: an indication of how their brain-function patterns compare with patterns observed across different ages and other factors. Eventually this marker can provide individuals with a personal benchmark and how brain function changes with age, lifestyle and interventions.

To build useful models, researchers need data from people across the adult lifespan. However, older adults are not as well represented in many currently available fNIRS datasets, and this project aims to build a normative brain function reference dataset.

That's why your participation matters.

How Do We Measure Brain Function?

We use a technology called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

fNIRS uses near-infrared light to measure changes in blood oxygenation associated with brain activity.

It is:

✓ Non-invasive
✓ Does not use ionizing radiation
✓ Does not require injections
✓ Does not electrically stimulate the brain

For this study, we use Mendi, a commercially available fNIRS device that is worn across the forehead.

The device records changes in brain blood oxygenation while you rest or perform simple thinking activities.

What Will I Have to Do?

1. Register

Scan the QR Code to create your private account through our web-based study application and provide some basic demographic information.

2.Create Account

Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.

3.Demographics

Under Notes provide any relevant information, such as if you do anything special to take care of your cognitive health, or if you would like to record any health issue such as insomnia etc.

3. Login & Practice

Click on the Practice Button to explore and familiarize with the available tests

4.Schedule a session

Practice the tests for as long as required. When ready contact the researcher to schedule a session. Choose a mutually convenient time and location to meet with the researcher.

5.Complete the study

During the approximately 30-minute session, you will wear the Mendi device while completing a short series of activities.

These may include:

Quiet resting periods
A simple breathing or breath-hold activity
Mental arithmetic
Memory or attention activities

Rest periods will be provided between activities.

Your Privacy Matters

Your account is protected by your own login credentials.

Only information necessary for the research will be collected. Authorized research personnel will have access to study data as necessary to conduct and analyze the research.

Where practical, research analysis will use a participant or study identifier rather than directly identifying information such as your name.

Data used to develop and evaluate research algorithms will be de-identified.

Individual participants will not be identified in research reports, presentations, or publications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at gauri@neurovana.health if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is fNIRS?

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive technology that uses near-infrared light to measure changes in blood oxygenation associated with brain activity.

Is fNIRS safe?

Yes. fNIRS is non-invasive. It does not use ionizing radiation, injections, or electrical brain stimulation.

The study uses a commercially available Mendi device worn on the forehead. Device safety and certification information will be made available to participants.

What is being measured?

The study uses fNIRS (functional near-infrared spectroscopy), a non-invasive technology that uses near-infrared light to measure changes in blood oxygenation near the surface of the brain.

These measurements allow researchers to study patterns of brain activity while you are resting and while you perform simple activities.

Who can participate?

We are currently particularly interested in adults age 45 and older.

Additional eligibility criteria, if applicable, will be reviewed before your study session.

How long does it take?

The in-person research session takes approximately 30 minutes. You can volunteer for multiple sessions.

Registration will have a few minutes. You can familiarize yourself with the activities beforehand using Demo Mode.

Where will the study take place?

The study will be conducted in person at a location mutually agreed upon by you and the researcher.

Are you testing my memory or intelligence?

No. Some activities may involve attention, memory, or simple mental tasks because these activities produce measurable changes in brain activity.

They are research tasks, not intelligence tests or clinical cognitive assessments, and your performance is not being used to diagnose a cognitive problem.

Am I being compared with other participants?

The research will look at patterns across groups of participants to understand how brain-function measurements vary with age.

The purpose is not to rank individuals or determine whose brain is healthier or better.

Is this study trying to find out whether I have a brain or cognitive problem?

No. This study is not designed to diagnose, screen for, or identify neurological, cognitive, or mental health conditions.

The purpose of the study is to collect brain-function measurements from people of different ages so researchers can better understand what typical patterns look like across the adult lifespan.

Will my results tell me if something is wrong with my brain?

The pilot study does not provide any results. The measurements collected in this study are for research purposes and should not be interpreted as a medical or diagnostic assessment. The participant's data will stay with them and an anonymized version will be used to create a Brain Age model.

The study is not intended to determine whether your brain function is “normal” or “abnormal,” or whether you have a particular health condition.

Does the device read my thoughts?

No. fNIRS does not read thoughts. It measures changes in blood oxygenation associated with activity in the areas of the brain being measured.

Will the study cause physical distress?

The measurement itself is non-invasive and safe. You may notice some pressure from wearing the device on your forehead.

Some activities require concentration and may cause temporary mental fatigue. If a breath-hold activity is included, you may stop it immediately if you feel uncomfortable.

You may pause or stop any study activity at any time.

What information will you collect about me?

We will collect limited demographic information needed for the research, fNIRS measurements, information about the activities you perform, and relevant study-session information.

The registration page will tell you exactly what information is being requested.

Who can see my information?

Your personal account is accessible using your credentials. Authorized research personnel will have access to the information necessary to conduct the study and analyze the research data.

Research analysis will use de-identified data where practical.

Will I find out my Brain Age?

Not necessarily.

The purpose of this study is to collect the data needed to develop and evaluate Brain Age models. Participation does not guarantee that you will receive an individual Brain Age result.

Any individual research results provided in the future should not be interpreted as a medical diagnosis.

Can I change my mind?

Yes.

Participation is completely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or stop participating at any time.

If you withdraw after data have been collected, contact the researcher regarding deletion of your data. Data that have already been fully de-identified, aggregated, or incorporated into completed analyses may no longer be capable of being removed.

Is this a medical test?

No.

This is a research study. The device and study results are not being used to diagnose or treat a medical condition.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Email gauri@neurovana.health for any questions.