Research

Overview

Ongoing research is directed at examining the underlying mechanisms of effective cognitive interventions. Specifically, we are determining the key processes that mediate training effects on cognitive and everyday functional performance. To this end, we are currently examining both behavioral mediators and the underlying neural mechanisms of cognitive training effects. We are also interested in how training-induced neural changes in the brain are related to improvements in cognitive behavioral performance.

Our research is aimed at improving the effectiveness of cognitive training techniques to compensate for age-related cognitive decline. Ultimately, our goal is to promote health, well-being, and independence among older adults.


Interested in volunteering in our research?Call (813) 974-6703 for information.

Keys to Staying SHARP - USF Cognitive Aging Lab

We are seeking volunteers age 60 and older for a research study to see if music training improves everyday abilities. Study participation takes about 5 months and includes up to 3 study visits and 20 music training sessions of 1 to 3 hours each.

You may qualify if you:
  • Do not have a neurological disorder
  • Have not had a major stroke or brain injury
  • Do not plan chemotherapy, radiation, or anesthesia in the next 5 months
  • Have less than 4 years of formal music training

Selected Publications

Edwards, J.D. Xu, H., Clark, D. O, Guey, L. Ross, L.A., & Unverzagt, F. (2017). Cognitive speed of processing training reduces dementia risk. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trci.2017.09.002

Edwards, J.D., *Fausto, B.A., *Tetlow, A.M., *Corona, R.T., *Valdes, E.G. (2017). Systematic review and meta-analyses of useful field of view cognitive training. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.11.004

Edwards, J.D. Xu, H., Clark, D. O, Guey, L. Ross, L.A., & Unverzagt, F. (in press). Cognitive speed of processing training reduces dementia risk. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions.

Edwards, J.D., *Fausto, B.A., *Tetlow, A.M., *Corona, R.T., *Valdes, E.G. (in press). Systematic review and meta-analyses of useful field of view cognitive training. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.

Edwards, J.D., Lister, J.J., Lin, F.R., Andel, R., Brown, L.M., & Wood, J. (2016). Association of hearing impairment and subsequent driving mobility in older adults. The Gerontologist. 10.1093/geront/gnw009

Lister, J.J., Harrison-Bush, A.L., Andel, R., *Matthews, C., Morgan, D., & Edwards, J.D. (2016). Cortical auditory evoked responses of older adults with and without probable mild cognitive impairment. Clinical Neurophysiology, 127 (2016), pp. 1279-1287. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2015.11.007

*Ellis, M., Edwards, J.D., *Peterson, L., *Roker, R. & Athilingam, P. (2014). Effects of cognitive speed of processing training among older adults with heart failure. Journal of Aging & Health, 26(4): 600-615. doi: 10.1177/0898264314525666

Edwards, J.D., *Valdes, E.V., *Peronto, C.L., *Castora-Binkley, M., *Alwerdt, J., Andel, R. & Lister, J.J. (2013). The efficacy of InSight cognitive training to improve Useful Field of View performance: A brief report. Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbt113

O'Brien, J.L., Edwards, J.D., Maxfield, N.D., *Peronto, C.L., Williams, V.A. & Lister, J.J. (2013). Cognitive training and selective attention in the aging brain: An electrophysiological study. Clinical Neurophysiology, 124: 2198-2208. doi: 10.1016/j.clinph.2013.05.012.

Edwards, J.D., Hauser, R.A., O'Connor, M.L., Valdes, E.G., Zesiewicz, T.A., Uc, E.Y. (2013). Randomized trial of cognitive speed of processing training in Parkinson disease. Neurology, 81:1-7. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0b013e3182a823ba.

Edwards, J.D., Ruva, C.L., O'Brien, J.L., Haley, C.B. & Lister, J.J. (2013). An examination of mediators of the transfer of cognitive speed of processing training to everyday functional performance. Psychology and Aging. doi: 10.1037/a0030474

Valdes, E.G., O'Connor, M.L. & Edwards, J.D. (2012). The effects of cognitive speed of processing training among older adults with psychometrically-defined mild cognitive impairment. Current Alzheimer Research, 9: 999-1009. doi:10.2174-156720-512803568984.

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