Brain Health Lab
Research laboratory devoted to addressing health disparities by improving access to services around Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Mission
Promotion of brain health in our communities is crucial for improving quality of life. Our team's research has shown that many of the Richmond residents in the greatest need of brain health services are individuals from racialized populations who have been significantly impacted by health disparities. The work of the Brain Health Lab supports efforts to increase the availability of home and community-based services and resources for people living with – or at risk for – Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their caregivers.
The Brain Health Lab, currently staffed by a team of students and faculty, provides a number of opportunities for student involvement. We welcome additional student engagement with this important work.
Announcements
VCU Convergence: VCU Convergence is a university-wide initiative that reimagines how VCU fosters innovation, collaboration and real-world impact. It brings together faculty, staff, students and community partners across disciplinary boundaries to advance outcomes through transdisciplinary research, interdisciplinary curricula and transformative, experiential learning opportunities. Learn more.
VCU project seeks to improve access to Alzheimer’s services for low-income older adults with $1.2 million grant: After receiving funds from the federal government, a team of faculty members at VCU is leading a project to address health disparities by improving access to services around Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias for low-income older adults in Richmond. Read more.>
Please fill out this survey if you are looking for general information on the Richmond Brain Health Initiative: RBHI Participant Inquiry Form
Please complete this form if you are trying to refer a client or patient for services from the Richmond Brain Health Initiative: RBHI Provider Referral Form
Services
VCU Guide: The VCU GUIDE Center supports people living with dementia and their caregivers. We meet the requirements of the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) GUIDE program. This program provides certified dementia practitioners (CDPs) for patients who get care from specified providers of VCU Health. Learn more.
Research
Faika Zanjani, Annie Rhodes, Alzheimer’s Prevention Lifestyle Risk Coaching in Low-income Older Adults, Innovation in Aging, Volume 5, Issue Supplement_1, 2021, Page 746, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2750
Faika Zanjani, Annie Rhodes, Memory Problems During COVID in Low-income Older Adults, Innovation in Aging, Volume 5, Issue Supplement_1, 2021, Page 741, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2734
Zanjani, F., & Gendron, T. (2021). Introduction to the JPIC issue, Aging in older adulthood: Community-level intervention programming and partnerships providing older adults with community health promotion opportunities. Journal of prevention & intervention in the community, 1–5. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10852352.2021.1930822
Rhodes, A., Wilkerson, T., Inker, J., Richardson, J., & Zanjani, F. (2020). Telephone-Based Health Coaching: Reduction in Alzheimer’s Risk Behaviors. Innovation in Aging, 4(Suppl 1), 278. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.890
Faika Zanjani, Annie Rhodes, Taylor Wilkerson, Jennifer Inker, Joann Richardson, Addressing Alzheimer’s Risk in Racially Diverse, Low-Income Older Adults Through Telephone Health Coaching, Innovation in Aging, Volume 4, Issue Supplement_1, 2020, Page 282.