Our Research

ACT- Implementing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate if intervention could improve preparedness related to the disease, well-being, ability to engage in important valued behaviors following a mild cognitive impairment diagnosis.

TX CARES-Implementing Individual Mental Health Treatment for Family Members of Individuals with Dementia

TX CARES - Care Adapt and Relief by Engaging Support: The primary aim of this study is to identify if evidence-based interventions can help reduce pre-death grief and caregiver burden in family members with some form of dementia.

Neural Correlates of Pre-Death Grief and Psychosocial Distress in Family Members of Individuals with Dementia

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of PDG, as well as examine the changes in neurobiological functioning in family members of individuals with late-stage ADRD over a 12-month period. Findings will directly inform our future development of interventions to support this population.

Non-Bereavement Grief Projects

Public Perceptions of Grief Related to Incarceration and Prison-Related Deaths

This project will assess various aspects of public stigma toward persons grieving a loss related to incarceration. We aim to understand how stigma varies by different kinds of bereavement and non-bereavement losses within the context of prison and the psychosocial factors that might be related to public stigma.

Curcumin and Retinal Amyloid-Beta Study

Pre-Death Grief Projects

This project aims to examine the effects of a two-week dietary curcumin supplement on amyloid beta proteins in the retina.

Snacks and Brain Health

The primary aim of this study is to research how dietary nut supplementation would impact cognitive function.