Welcome to the Other Brain and Nervous System Studies Page

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


ForAging: Facilitating Optimal Routines in Aging

Are you age 60 or older and have difficulty managing daily tasks? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers test a new strategy used to improve daily task performance. Involves testing of your thinking and daily activities, PET scanning, and being randomized (like the flip of a coin) to receive either an intervention or close monitoring. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   60 and Up

Duration DURATION:  About 15 months
VISITS:  Varies
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and Home


Ultrasound Imaging Study for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury

Do you have a spinal cord injury and do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility? Have you had a pressure sore on your buttocks? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers understand the impact of bone shape in the development of pressure ulcers/injuries on the buttocks. Involves 1 visit, lasting 2-3 hours. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  2-3 hours
VISITS:  1 visit
Location LOCATION:  Bakery Square, East End


Remote Wheelchair Maintenance Training Program

Do you have a traumatic spinal injury and use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility (over 40 hours a week)? If so, you may be interested in a study to help researchers assess the effectiveness of using an online training program to teach wheelchair users how to improve maintenance techniques. You will be able to choose between 3 levels of participation. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Varies
VISITS:  Varies
Location LOCATION:  Online


Mood and Personality Research Study

Have you been diagnosed with (or tested for) borderline personality disorder (BPD), and are aged 18-45? You may be able to take part in a research study to help learn more about brain function in people with BPD. This study involves interviews and an MRI scan. Participants will be compensated.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 45

Duration VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic and UPMC Presbyterian


PROMOTE Study

Do you have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or a related disorder? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand the factors that explain the differences among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Study involves answering questionnaires, reviewing medical records and participating in other optional research activities.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 30 years
VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh - Oakland


Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Study (Perspectives Program)

Do you have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are between the ages of 18 and 45? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if two new non-drug treatments can benefit people with ASD. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 45

Duration DURATION:  18 months
VISITS:  Weekly visits
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh


VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Research Registry— Adults with Aphasia

Do you have aphasia caused by a stroke or other brain injury? If so, you may be able to join a research registry to help learn more about speech and language problems and to identify volunteers for future communication disorders research studies. There is no compensation for joining this registry, but individual research studies you may be contacted about in the future may offer compensation.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  At least 1 visit
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh and VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System


Dementia with Lewy Bodies Consortium (DLBC)

Do you have diagnosed or suspected dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), mild cognitive impairment that may progress to DLB, or Parkinson’s disease dementia? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about DLB and find better ways to identify and treat the disease in the future. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   40 - 90

Duration DURATION:  About 5 years
VISITS:  8 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Montefiore Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, & Kaufmann Medical Building


Enroll-HD

Are you the spouse, caregiver, or family member of someone affected by Huntington’s disease (HD)? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study that is collecting data in an effort to improve understanding and treatment of Huntington’s disease (HD).

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  Once per year
Location LOCATION:  Kaufmann Medical Building Oakland


Wheelchair Maintenance App

Do you have a non-progressive spinal cord injury that occurred over 1 year ago, and do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to track wheelchair use, breakdowns and repairs through an app. Eligible participants must have a smartphone or tablet with internet access. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 5 years
Location LOCATION:  Online


Sleep and Cognition Study

Are you an adult male aged 65 to 80? Do you have trouble staying asleep at night? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to see how sleep affects cognition and brain function. Participation involves two overnight sleep studies, cognitive tests, and 2 MRI scans. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   65 - 80

Duration DURATION:  17 days
VISITS:  3 visits
Location LOCATION:  Oakland- WPIC


Movement Disorders Research Registry

Do you have a movement disorder? If so, you may be able to participate in the Movement Disorders Registry. This registry is a list of individuals who are interested in being contacted about future research studies.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  None Required
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh


Assessment of an Experimental Robotic-Assisted Transfer Device – Phase 2: Power Wheelchair Users

Do you use a mobility device at least 3 days/week? Do you weigh 180 lbs. or less and fit in an 18-in. wide and 16-in. deep seat? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers evaluate how effective and usable a robotic transfer assist device (HERL-RATD) is compared to a commercially available manual hydraulic (Hoyer) lift. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  1 in-person visit lasting about 4 hours
Location LOCATION:  Human Engineering Research Laboratories at Bakery Square - Pittsburgh


Accessibility Barriers Survey – Wheelchair Users

Do you use a wheelchair or scooter as your primary means of mobility? Can you transfer to and from your mobility device by yourself? If so, you can participate in a research study that involves taking an online survey. Researchers want to know how different areas of the community help or hinder the needs of wheeled mobility device users.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  30 minutes or less
Location LOCATION:  Online


ENCORE fMRI Study for People with OCD

Do you have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and are between the ages of 18-35? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about the brains of people with OCD. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 35

Duration VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  Oakland – Loeffler Building and UPMC Magnetic Resonance Imaging Research Center (MRRC) at UPMC Presbyterian


Study on the Safety of Stopping Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Medications

Do you have multiple sclerosis (MS), but have not had any disease activity in at least the past 5 years? Have you been taking MS medications for at least 5 years? Are you age 55 or up? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if it is safe to stop taking MS medications, since the risk of relapse decreases in people ages 55 and older. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   55 and Up

Duration DURATION:  2 years
VISITS:  5 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Multiple Sclerosis Center - Oakland


Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders Research Registry

Are you an adult with multiple sclerosis (MS) or a related disorder who is seeking treatment or already being treated at the University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurology? You may be able to take part in a research Registry, which is a list of individuals interested in having their medical information included in research studies and being contacted about future research studies.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Ongoing
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh Department of Neurology – Multiple Locations


Xtampza ER Study for Adults Who Have Difficulty Swallowing Pills

Do you take a prescribed opioid medication for chronic pain and are age 21-70? Do you have trouble swallowing pills? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to find out if a pain medication called Xtampza ER is easier to swallow. Participants must be current patients of a UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic, or be willing to schedule an appointment with this clinic. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21 - 70

Duration DURATION:  6 weeks
VISITS:  4 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic - Centre Commons 5750 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206


Multimodal Connectome Study – Congenital Heart Disease

Are you an adult between ages 18-60 years old who has Congenital Heart Disease? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers determine if differences in how the brain is formed and how it functions can predict behavior variations in different populations. Must be willing and able to undergo MRI scanning. Involves one study visit. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 50


MyPaTH Story Booth

Researchers are looking for volunteers to share a personal story about their experience as an individual facing a health problem or accessing the health system. Individuals could also share their experience as a caregiver for someone who is ill.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  1 visit lasting 20 minutes
Location LOCATION:  Falk Medical Building (Oakland), or by phone


Memory and Sleep Study

Are you aged 65-85? Are you experiencing difficulties with memory or managing daily tasks, or have you been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to examine the effects of magnetic brain stimulation on sleep and cognitive function. Involves one 48-hour overnight stay in the sleep lab. Compensation and parking are provided.

Age Range
AGE:   65 - 85

Duration VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Oakland


Sensorimotor Imaging for Brain-Computer Interfaces

Do you have a cervical spinal cord injury that occurred more than 1 year ago and resulted in decreased or absent feeling in your right hands/fingers? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study using fMRI to map arm and hand-related brain activity in the part of the brain that generates movement signals and feels touch. 1-2 visits to UPMC Presbyterian. Compensation and parking provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  4 hours
VISITS:  1-2 visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian Hospital MRI Center


HDFT & Traumatic Brain Injury - PITT

Are you between 18-70 years of age? Have you had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) within the last three months? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers evaluate High Definition Fiber Tracking (HDFT), an MRI-based diagnostic method. Participants will undergo a MRI scanning and neuropsychological assessments. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 70

Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian


Eating Disorders Research Study

Do you have anorexia or bulimia and are you between the ages of 18-55? You may be able to participate in a research study looking at the relationship between cognitive function (mental processes like thinking and learning) and eating disorder symptoms. Study includes interviews, questionnaires, computer tasks, and an MRI scan. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 55

Duration DURATION:  6 months
VISITS:  4-5 visits
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC) at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital


Pain Diary Applications

Are you a UPMC Pain Medicine patient with chronic pain that has lasted more than 6 months? If so, you may be eligible to complete a 5 minute online survey to help researchers gather feedback about the usefulness of smartphone apps designed to help manage chronic pain. Participants will be entered into a random drawing for a gift card.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  About 5 minutes
Location LOCATION:  Online only


LATTICE Study

Do you have trouble with your memory or concentration? Are you age 60 or older? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to find out if the medication lithium can prevent or slow down memory loss. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   60 and Up

Duration DURATION:  2 years
VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & Biomedical Science Tower 3 (Oakland)


Smartphone Self-Care for Chronic Conditions

Do you have spina bifida, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or cerebral palsy? Researchers at Pitt are looking for adults with these chronic conditions to give feedback on new smartphone apps designed to make self-care more manageable. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  Varies
Location LOCATION:  Multiple clinic locations in East End, or at home


Senior Moments Study – Healthy Volunteers Needed!

Do you experience occasional “senior moments” with your memory? Are you an African American man or woman who is at least 60 years old? Do you have a family member or close friend who can accompany you on study visits? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help identify memory problems at the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Age Range
AGE:   60 and Up

Duration VISITS:  1 initial visit, with yearly follow-up
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Montefiore


Computer-Based Aphasia Treatment Study

Do you have aphasia due to a stroke or other brain injury? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help find out if a computer-based aphasia treatment can improve the speed and accuracy of language processing in the brain. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration DURATION:  3-4 months
VISITS:  About 15-20 visits
Location LOCATION:  VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System - Oakland or Aspinwall locations


IDEA+: Individualize Everyday Activities Plus

Are you age 65 or older? Would you like to learn more about a program designed to improve how you manage daily tasks? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study that involves working with a rehabilitation specialist to find out if you can improve your ability to perform daily tasks. Most visits can take place at your home. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   65 and Up

Duration DURATION:  About 1 year
VISITS:  Multiple, most in your home

Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & Your Home


NOP Receptor Imaging in Alcoholism

The University of Pittsburgh Departments of Radiology and Psychiatry are seeking adults ages 18-55 who have a problem with alcohol for a brain imaging research study. Participation involves questionnaires, interviews, and brain scanning (1 MRI, 1 CT, and 1 PET scan). Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 55

Duration DURATION:  4 Months
VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) & UPMC Presbyterian


EASE Study: Managing Emotions for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Do you have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and are 18-21 years old? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if a new program called Emotion Awareness and Skills Enhancement (EASE) can help young adults with ASD manage their emotions. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 21

Duration DURATION:  About 6 months
VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  Webster Hall - Oakland


Decision Processes of Late-Life Suicide

Are you between the ages of 55-80 and experiencing symptoms of depression? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help understand why some people become depressed and have thoughts of hurting themselves, while others do not. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   55 - 80

Duration VISITS:  2-3 visits, with annual follow-ups
Location LOCATION:  Bellefield Towers (Oakland) or at your home


All of Us Pennsylvania Research Program

You may be able to change the future of medicine. The All of Us PA Research Program is enrolling adults 18 years of age or older. This may be your chance to improve how your children and your children’s children receive medical care.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and Up

Duration VISITS:  one initial visit
Location LOCATION:  Convenient locations near you including Altoona, Monroeville, North Hills, Oakland, Philadelphia, Shadyside, the South Hills and more!



RELATED RESEARCH AREAS:
  Brain and Nervous System

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