Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)

Little Rock GRECC

• Pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s dementia
• Neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia
• Biology of aging outcomes in skeletal, muscle, central nervous and cardiovascular systems
• Exercise and nutrition interventions
• Advance care planning and palliative care

• Using drug and non-pharmacological treatments targeting neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia or altering trajectory of neurodegeneration  
• Neuromodulation for enhancing exercise adherence in older adults
• Defining basic mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration including the role played by disruption of insulin and glucose regulation, similar to diabetes
• Characterizing events and molecules involved in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders with an emphasis on genetics and inflammation in disease causation and progression
• COVID-19 impact on dementia and caregiving, on physical activity in older adults, and on biopsychosocial factors of loneliness and social isolation in older rural Veterans
• Impact of statins for prevention of dementia
• COVID-19 prophylaxis in Community Living Center residents using nitazoxanide
• Meeting the supportive care needs of chronically and seriously ill Veterans and their caregivers
• Increasing mobility for older adults through technology and technology-based exercise programs
• Evaluating Staffing Methodology and Veteran Outcomes in the Community Living Centers
• Janssen COVID vaccine study: This study is now in a follow-up phase to determine the long-term safety and benefits of this vaccine.
• The CONFIRM Study: A large, pragmatic trial of 50,000 Veterans to compare the effectiveness of screening colonoscopy vs. annual FIT screening for the reduction in colon cancer mortality
• The Burn Pit Study – Understanding the chronic health issues experienced by Veterans exposed to open burn pits by studying the DNA methylation biomarkers

• Interactive education “bursts” focused on engaging staff in geriatric topics with emphasis on cognitive impairment, dementia, delirium, depression and palliative care
• Monthly webinars and ask-the-expert sessions focused on geriatric care in primary care and Community Living Centers
• Health Profession Training Program (HPTP) with monthly interdisciplinary geriatric education and training
• Host site for Geriatric Scholars tailored clinical practicum
• Interdisciplinary format of dementia education for medical students
• Monthly GRECC Journal Club
• Quarterly Medical Ethics Case Conference
• Year 4 medical student clinical rounds

• Advance Care Planning-Group Visits, a Diffusion of Excellence Initiative, engages Veterans in advance care planning in partnership with the National Social Work Program Office and the Office of Rural Health
• Geriatric Walking Clinic (partnered with Gerofit for dissemination)
• Virtual Geriatrics (formerly known as GRECC Connect) geriatric education collaborative among GRECCs
• DASH program (collaboration to promote early and progressive patient ambulation during hospitalization)
• Memory clinic (clinically sustained with Mental Health and refining neuropsychology battery to predict function)
• National Ask the Expert-Geriatric Psychiatry: A national network of geriatric psychiatrists supporting clinicians in the field treating geriatric mental health issues
• Monthly Dementia Case Conference: VISN-16 interdisciplinary panel of experts discussing treatment options in a case-conference model for complex issues related to dementia care
• Connection Plans for Social Isolation and Loneliness: a low-tech intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy wherein trained interventionists help Veterans make Mind, Body and Social connections
• Supportive C-TRAC: a low cost, telephone-based case management program that fosters patient-centered care that aligns with Veteran patients’ goals and provides assistance with care transitions
• TeleGeriatrics Consultation/Co-Management for Rural Older Veterans: a program to improve the care delivered to Veterans in their home through video telehealth
• Tai Chi for Health and Recovery in Older Veterans – a multi-site Tai Chi virtual exercise program to help Veterans improve their strength and balance
• Stay Home Stay Fit: program to enhance fitness in older Veterans

• Effect of Methylphenidate on Apathy in Patients With Alzheimer Disease: The ADMET 2 Randomized Clinical Trial JAMA Neurol https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34570180/
• Lithium Treatment in the Prevention of Repeat Suicide-Related Outcomes in Veterans With Major Depression or Bipolar Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial JAMA Psychiatry https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34787653/
• Rapid conversion of Tai Chi classes from face‐to‐face to virtual during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A look at feasibility and safety Nurs Forum https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35005787/
• Evaluating the Staffing Methodology Model in Veterans Health Administration’s Community Living Centers Geriatr Nurs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35512508/
• A Review of Race and Ethnicity in Hospice and Palliative Medicine Research: Representation Matters J Pain Symptom Manage https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35905937/
• "Advancing" Advance Care Planning to Veterans in the Veterans Health Administration Mil Med https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35801841/

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