The Barbara and Maurice Deane Healthy Brain Initiative

Research

The Deane HBI, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will integrate transformative clinical and translational research programs. This groundbreaking and enduring program will enable  Mount Sinai patients to participate in research, allowing Mount Sinai researchers to explore how the brain changes with age. We perform both clinical and translational research.

Clinical Research

At Mount Sinai, our seamless approach to the integration of clinical care and research ensures that patients have access to today’s newest and most promising cognitive therapies in the form of advanced clinical trials. Mount Sinai’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) is a comprehensive research facility and clinical program dedicated to the study and treatment of both normal aging and dementia. Physician-scientists at the ADRC conduct pioneering clinical research that aims to improve diagnosis, delay progression, and enhance the well-being of those with memory loss, in addition to helping us learn more about healthy cognition. Our clinicians and scientists partner with patients to make transformational changes in cognitive treatment at every level.

Clinical Trials

Through our collaborations with research centers at Mount Sinai, such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, we give our patients access to the newest and most promising therapies in the form of clinical trials. As part of The Friedman Brain Institute, we are active in research programs seeking to discover the underlying causes of cognitive and related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Translational Research

Translational research is research specifically designed to improve health outcomes, applying knowledge from basic biology and clinical trials to techniques and tools that address critical medical needs.  Our multidisciplinary team of translational scientists is dedicated to investigating the underlying mechanisms of memory loss in both those suffering from cognitive decline and those experiencing normal cognitive changes associated with aging.  With the state-of-the-art resources available within The Friedman Brain Institute, we conduct innovative translational research that will revolutionize the way we treat cognitive decline.

This randomized controlled trial of Mount Sinai Palliative Care at Home for Patients with Dementia is an innovative new care program led by Dr. Nathan Goldstein. This program provides interdisciplinary palliative care (community health workers, RNs, SWs, with oversight from an NP and MD) to patients with advanced dementia and their caregivers in their homes. Eligible patients who choose to enroll will be randomized to either continue with their current healthcare provision or receive the Mount Sinai Palliative Care at Home in addition to their current care. The program does not replace any of the patient's existing care but functions as an added layer of support, working with you to deliver high-quality care aimed at relieving the symptoms and stress of advanced dementia for patients and caregivers.

Eligible patients must have:

  • Age > 65 years
  • Moderately severe or advanced dementia (e.g., Global Deterioration Scale > 6, FAST > 6, or MMSE < 20)
  • Functional impairment in at least one activity of daily living (need assistance in one or more ADLs)
  • At least one hospitalization or ED visit within the last 12 months OR documentation of unmet needs (e.g., caregiver burden)
  • A physician responsible for their dementia-related care associated with Mount Sinai
  • Residence in Manhattan or Queens (not in a skilled nursing facility)
  • A legally authorized representative (LAR) to provide consent (if the patient lacks capacity)
  • An informal caregiver willing to enroll

If you think this will be of interest to your patient and they are eligible, please contact: PCAH@mssm.edu

Researchers at The Mount Sinai Hospital are conducting a study of two new programs designed to help couples prevent depression and anxiety during the first six months after one partner receives a dementia diagnosis.

What Does the Study Involve

  • Individually: Each participant will complete two surveys (30-60 minutes each) about their health and relationships on a secure website, before and after the program.
  • Together as a Couple:
    • Option 1: Participate in 6-8 weekly therapy sessions (30-60 minutes each) with a psychologist via live video (Zoom).
    • Option 2: Complete a self-guided program at home, using an informational pamphlet provided by the study.

Who Can Participate?
This study is open to couples in which one partner has recently been diagnosed with dementia.

Compensation
You will each receive $80 for completing the two surveys, totaling $160 per couple.

Interested in Learning More?

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