Data Science and Technology
The Marcus Institute is moving aging research forward by harnessing the power of big data.
Unique Expertise in Big Data Research and Clinical Trials Focusing on Older Adults
Contemporary research in aging requires the capture, visualization, analysis, and interpretation of large amounts of highly complex data. Researchers and staff throughout the Marcus Institute collaborate with biostatistics and data sciences faculty to design and conduct clinical trials and observational studies in aging.
This work occurs across a broad array of fields, united by an overarching mission to enhance and preserve the health and independence of older people. Our studies make use of information obtained from sources as disparate as direct research measurement, passive capture via wearable and implantable devices, and large administrative structures that include billing claims and environmental monitoring.
Technical Solutions for Data Analysis in Aging Research
Our research software development and informatics teams specialize in the creation of technical solutions for remote data capture, real-time quality control, data analysis, and dissemination of results. We collaborate with investigators around the nation and the world on novel research projects in:
- Gerontology and geroscience, with application to physical function and frailty
- Cognition and cognitive aging
- Genetics, genomics, and proteomics
- Endocrinology
- Health care delivery and policy
- Other areas relevant to the health of older adults
Our reach and reputation for quality gives us the power to advance aging research through today’s robust technology that connects efforts around the world.
Find current research projects
Showing 18 Results
Home-based Multifocal Transcranial Current Stimulation for Cognitive and Motor Dysfunction in Dementia
This research aims to complete a phase II, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-arm trial to compare the effects of two forms of transcranial current stimulation to two different brain regions tACS-AG and tDCS-PFC versus sham in older adults with mild dementia to assess the effects of memory and executive functions depending on blood, spinal fluid, and neurophysiologic biomarker status.
Principal Investigators
Modulating Brain Networks to Reduce Gait Variability in Older Adults at Risk of Falling
This research aims to examine the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on resting-state functional connectivity and gait variability and related outcomes in older adults at risk of falling.
Principal Investigator
Multifocal Transcranial Current Stimulation for Cognitive and Motor Dysfunction in Dementia
This research aims to assess the possibility of concurrent targeting prefrontal (executive-control) and memory brain circuits to improve different cognitive disabilities in individuals with dementia using personalized, multi-focal non-invasive brain stimulation delivered as a home-based, remotely supervised intervention.
NIH R01AG076708
Principal Investigators
Optimizing Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to Improve Dual Task Gait and Balance in Older Adults
This research aims to use personalized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to improve dual task standing and walking in older adults.
Principal Investigator
Personalized Brain Activity Modulation to Improve Balance and Cognition in Elderly Fallers
This research aims to determine the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the control of standing and walking in older adults with previous falls.
Principal Investigator
Risk-Guided Atrial Fibrillation Surveillance in Ischemic Stroke
This research aims to evaluate contemporary practices related to the use of an Implantable Loop Recorder (ILS) following ischemic stroke. Our goal is to develop a post-stroke atrial fibrillation (AF) risk prediction model using the national Veterans Health Administration electronic health records (EHR) and externally validate the model in the Boston Medical Center Stroke Database and develop an EHR-based post-stroke AF risk estimation tool and conduct a single-arm pilot test of the EHR tool to evaluate acceptability, adoption, and validity prior to RCT testing.
K23HL151903-01A1
Principal Investigator
Safe Cardiometabolic Drug Prescribing to Prevent Injury in Nursing Home Residents
This research aims to determine the net clinical benefit of cardiometabolic drugs in ADRD and other nursing home residents. Our findings will inform clinical treatment of cardiometabolic disease, prevent injurious falls, and save costs in the nursing home.
NIH R01AG061221
Principal Investigator
Targeting Depression and Memory Symptoms with Multi-focal Circuit-based Neuromodulation
This pilot study aims to explore the feasibility and effects of a symptom-specific, brain-circuit-based, home-based neuromodulation therapy for addressing mood and memory symptoms in older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) in the context of dementia.
Principal Investigator
Understanding and Modulating Cortical Dynamics of Dual-task Standing in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
This research aims to determine whether non-invasive brain stimulation improves balance and walking. Biological aging and cognitive decline interact to disrupt the complex control of balance and mobility. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) represents a common prodromal phase of dementia. As compared to older adults who are cognitively-intact, those with MCI tend to exhibit poor “dual-task” standing balance performance; that is, the ability to maintain balance when standing and simultaneously performing an unrelated cognitive task. Moreover, those older adults who have worse dual-task standing balance are more likely to suffer falls and develop dementia. By studying the cortical control of balance in older adults with and without MCI the goal is to translate our discoveries into novel interventions designed to help all older adults preserve their cognitive-motor function into senescence.
