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Forgetful? You could help with Alzheimer's researchBy Times staff writer © St. Petersburg Times, published October 31, 2000 If you have memory problems, University of South Florida doctoral candidate Robert Byers is looking for you. Byers, a coordinator of research and statistics in the College of Health, thinks people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in their 50s, 60s 70s and 80s might show subtle signs as early as their 20s and 30s. He hopes to develop a screening test that will pick up on these changes. If doctors can detect the disease early enough, Byers says, an array of exercises and behavior modification might delay the onset of serious symptoms by years. Down the road, new medicines might also prove useful. Right now, he needs test subjects. Byers would like to evaluate Tampa Bay area residents over 55 who have experienced mild memory problems, whether or not they have been diagnosed as suffering from Alzheimer's or other dementias. He plans to test them for about two hours, and will do it in the person's own home. Results of these tests will form the basis of a research paper on early detection. Byers says he can also advise participants on specific mental exercises that might strengthen some of their mental capacities. For information, please call Byers at (813) 974-7835 (College of Health) or (727) 343-7199.
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From the Times Seniority pages |
