Researchers in the Mind & Brain Health Labs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) are seeking 80 volunteers for a research study of older driver mobility and safety.
More participants needed
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Professor Matthew Rizzo, M.D., director of the labs and chair of the UNMC Department of Neurological Sciences, is leading a team of expert researchers and clinicians to improve understanding of how brain aging affects driver behavior.
To be eligible for the study, you must be between the ages of 65-90, have a valid driver’s license, at least five years of driving experience, and drive 50 miles or at least one hour per week. People meeting these criteria are invited to contact the Mind & Brain Health Labs in UNMC’s Department of Neurological Sciences at (402) 559-6870 or mbhl@unmc.edu.
In this novel research, real-life driving will be continuously measured by equipping each driver’s own vehicle with modern sensors that provide detailed information on driving behavior, strategy, and tactics over two, three-month time frames.
These sensors are unobtrusive and can be easily removed from vehicles without damage. Participation also involves several visits to complete cognitive testing and study follow-up.
“Monitoring real-life driving performance will offer a greater understanding of real-world driver behavior and its relationship to cognitive abilities,” Dr. Rizzo said.
Information gained from this research, he said, can be used in the future to develop strategies for advising patients and families on driving safety, fitness to drive, and interventions to promote independence and mobility in older drivers.
Compensation is provided and this study is listed under IRB #217-15-FB.