Ongoing Studies

For Community Members

Are you interested in participating in a research study related to healthy aging? Take a look at the opportunities listed below and see if one is right for you.

This is a clinical trial of digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in adults 55 and older with insomnia and recent suicidal ideation.

(IRB protocol number: 2103622552)

Eligibility: Participants must be 1) 65 or older; 2) have insomnia or difficulty sleeping; and 3) have wanted to die or commit suicide within the past month.

Study Coordinator:

Andrew Tubbs

atubbs@email.arizona.edu

The University of Arizona Arthritis Center (UAAC) is at the forefront of exciting advancements in arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials have been conducted at the UAAC for more than 20 years. The Clinical Research Unit (CRU) offers a great opportunity for individuals who wish to participate in clinical research.

 

Study Coordinator:

ArthritisResearch@arthritis.arizona.edu

We are currently working on a joint project between two University of Arizona labs to better understand healthy mind and brain aging in a culturally diverse group of participants. In brief, we are trying to better understand healthy mind and brain aging and how this differs from other brain changes like Alzheimer's disease. This is a longitudinal study, meaning we are seeking to enroll individuals who are interested in participating now, and returning to participate in a few years. In addition to cognitive testing, an MRI scan, and a blood draw, participants will be asked to use two smartphone applications outside the lab for about 10 days. Participants will receive monetary compensation for their time.

An Institutional Review Board responsible for human subjects research at The University of Arizona reviewed this research project and found it to be acceptable, according to applicable state and federal regulations and University policies designed to protect the rights and welfare of participants in research.

(IRB protocol number: 2001274054)

Eligibility: 1) Pass a three-part screening process focusing on physical/mental health, MRI safety checks, and a cognitive screen. 2) Ages 18-35 or 60-90. 3) Fluent in English. 4) Complete an in-lab session and use 2 phone apps for about 10 days. 5) Undergo an MRI and blood draw.

Study Coordinator:

Brianna Medrano

UAaging@gmail.com

The purpose of the current study is to conduct a pilot intervention study investigating the objective health outcomes and mechanisms of change in CBTi. The goal will be to recruit a sample of older adults (ages 50-65) with insomnia to receive CBTi and observe the pre-to-post treatment change in sleep (e.g., EEG, self-report) and associated changes in circadian rhythms (e.g., amplitude, core body temperature, heart rate), biomarkers (e.g., inflammation, genetic, hormonal), cognitive performance, and structural and functional MRI scans.

(IRB protocol number: 2107024013)

Eligibility: Aged 50-65, Normal hearing with or without hearing aids, Ability to speak and read English and ability to give informed consent, Possession of a computer with video and audio capabilities, Meets DSM-5 Criteria for Insomnia Disorder, Internet speed sufficient for participating in teletherapy (e.g., Zoom Health) or SHUTi (for iCBTi group), MoCA scores ≥24 will be deemed normal cognitive status and considered eligible for study participation and/or assessed by the ability to comprehend the baseline screening questionnaires, Willing to refrain from new external behavioral health or medication treatment for issues pertaining to sleep during participation in the study, and Indication that the individual plans to be in the area for the 6 months following the first baseline assessment

Study Coordinator:

ethanadamolson@arizona.edu

The Human Spatial Cognition Lab in the Psychology Department is actively recruiting healthy young and older adults to participate in research investigating the impact of healthy aging on memory and spatial navigation. Our lab uses a combination of methods to address these questions, including immersive virtual reality, eye tracking, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The goal of this research is to better understand how changes in the aging brain affect specific cognitive abilities, behavior, and wellbeing.

(IRB protocol number: 1807727476)

Eligibility: Participants must be between 18 and 35 years or 65 and 80 years of age. Have normal or corrected to normal vision with glasses/contacts. No neurological disorders or history of seizures.

Study Coordinator:

hsclab@email.arizona.edu

This study aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and health effects of community gardening for survivors of melanoma. Over the 6-month study, participants will be asked to complete pre- and post- study assessments and will be provided a conveniently located garden plot within Community Gardens of Tucson existing locations, gardening materials and supplies, and a mentor from the Pima County Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners program.

(IRB protocol number: 00002169)

Eligibility: Diagnosed with Melanoma; Currently living in Pima County; Aged 18 years or older; Willing to complete online surveys about your health and wear a sensor to learn about UV exposure; Interested in learning more about sustainable desert gardening

Study Coordinator:

Dylan Miller, MPH

CON-FRESH@arizona.edu

The purpose of this study is to examine the potential benefit of a blood pressure technology system to improve medication taking and blood pressure for older adults. (IRB protocol number: STUDY00000653)

Eligibility: You may be eligible to participate: if you are 65 years of age or older, you are self-managing at least one medication for high blood pressure, and you use an Apple iPhone.

Study Coordinator:

Skye Nicholas

bp-system@pharmacy.arizona.edu

As humans get older, the body becomes less effective at fighting off infections. Our research program is focused on understanding how aging impacts the function of the immune system. We hope to better understand how the immune system ages in healthy individual of all ages, and what kind of chronic or persistent medical conditions are associated with this normal immune aging process.

If you agree to take part, you will be asked to donate up to 100 ml of blood, to fill out a medical questionnaire, and to perform frailty testing (measurement of grip strength and walking speed).

(IRB protocol number: 2102460536)

Study Coordinator:
Eileen Olaiz, eileenolaiz@arizona.edu, 520-257-9184
Edgar Gutierrez, edgargutierrez@arizona.edu, 520-275-8216

Eligibility: Age 18 and older

Study Coordinator:

The purpose of this study is to look at the daily relationship between sleep, light in bedrooms, health biomarkers related to inflammation, physical and mental health, burnout, and presenteeism in nurses. Participation will take 2 weeks where you will be asked to wear an actiwatch device, sweat patch, provide 2 blood draws, and complete various assessments about your sleep, physical health, and mental health.

(IRB protocol number: STUDY00001088)

Eligibility: Be ages 18-65; be employed as a nurse (at least RN certification) at Banner University Hospital; work shifts that are at least (typically) 12 hours; be located in Tucson, AZ

Study Coordinator:

Samantha Nagy

smnagy@arizona.edu

For Researchers

Are you a University of Arizona researcher seeking participants for an aging-related study? Please take a moment to complete this Qualtrics survey and let us know the details so we can share here.