CROWLEY – Southwind Assisted Living has entered into a joing partnership research program with Pennington Biomedical Research Center under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Keller, the associate executive director for basic research at Pennington in Baton Rouge.

Dr. Keller is currently conducting clinical trials through the “La. Aging Brain Study,” (LABrainS) a research project aimed at understanding the causes of brain aging and identifying the basis by which aging promotes the development of brain pathology and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Keller will supervise this new project with Southwind Assisted Living which will allow participants to assess current brain/memory functions and track changes over the next year all anonymously.

Interventions will be introduced by Dr. Keller to address issues related to fall risks memory delays and lifestyles as well.

As one of its ongoing studies and a cornerstone project of the IDRP, the study is described by the institute as essential to its success.

Tuesday, however, he was in Crowley to discuss the clinical trials for the study with several interested residents who had questions about maybe participating or just dementia in general.

Through its partnership with Southwind Assisted Living it looks to continue to enroll individuals over the age of 60 who do not currently show cognitive signs or symptoms of dementia. Participants are administered objective assessments of cognitive performance on an annual basis, allowing for the early detection of cognitive decline associated with the onset of dementia. The longitudinal study affords researchers the opportunity to look at relationships between a variety of risk factors (genetics, diet, diabetes, mood, sleep, activity level etc.) and cognitive decline , and to begin to develop therapeutic strategies for the prevention of dementia.

It is looking to examine people from all backgrounds in the state including assisted living communities. In total it will enroll thousands of participants and has participants, so far, from 37 parishes. It is in its fourth year and is looking to expand to places like Southwind to continue its research.

The Pennington Biomedical Research Center: Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention (IDRP)’s mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals in Louisiana by generating world class research programs focused on dementia prevention and providing vital education opportunities for individuals affected by dementia.

The institute believes it can and will fulfill the mission through three principle approaches–the establishment of a longitudinal study of aging and dementia, developing a therapeutic screening program and conducting conferences and outreach on the latest in dementia prevention.

Southwind Assisted Living, as well as its community partner, Southwind Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and ElderOutreach have a long history of fundraisers to aid the Alzheimer’s Foundation. This project could be the next step in helping the foundation through research.