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Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC)

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Technology Enhancing Cognition and Health (TECH-GRECC)

TECH-GRECC

VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System
University Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15240

Phone 412-360-2917
Fax     412-360-4922

GRECC Director

Steven M. Handler, MD, PhD, CMD

Associate GRECC Director 

Robin Jump, MD, PhD

Associate Director, Research 

George F. Wittenberg, MD, PhD.

Associate Director, Clinical Innovation

Alison O’Donnell, DO, MPH

Associate Director, Translational Research

Daniel E. Forman, MD

Associate Director, Education and Evaluation

Jennifer Pruskowski, PharmD, MS

Business Manager

Danica Miller

Affiliations

University of Pittsburgh

Mission of the TECH-GRECC

The TECH-GRECC serves as a local and national resource for the development, implementation, demonstration, evaluation, and dissemination of technology that benefits research, education, clinical innovation, and care for older Veterans.

research foci heading
  • Mechanisms of recovery and the development of novel treatment strategies for stroke, Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), Parkinson’s Disease, and the chronic effects of TBI
  • Pharmacoepidemiology, drug safety, and clinical and translational informatics to improve medication and patient safety.
  • Using telehealth to support primary (e.g., Home Based Primary Care (HBPC), and GeriPACT) and consultative care (e.g., tele-dementia, tele-Geriatrics Evaluation and Management (Tele-GEM), behavioral health, and socialization.
    research heading
    • Role of tau protein and drug discovery for Alzheimer’s Disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy
    • Mechanisms of white matter injury and recovery in stroke, vascular dementia and TBI
    • Novel clinical pathways for elderly Veterans with chronic low back syndrome
    • Prehab and modified cardiac rehabilitation for older adults
    • Novel rehabilitation strategies for motor and language deficits after stroke
    • Identifying risk factors for elder abuse in older Veterans
    • Assessment, treatment and mechanisms of aphasia with emphasis on neurocognitive and psychosocial aspects.
    education heading
    • Age-Friendly (Geriatric 5Ms) based interprofessional education for local TECH-GRECC health professional trainees, faculty and staff
    • Tailored mentorship for local Advanced Fellows in Geriatrics
    • Scholarly-work based, leadership and professional development training for Advanced Fellows in Geriatrics within the National Coordinating Center curriculum.
    • Chronic Pain Management Guide: A Tool for Managing Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

      clinical heading
      • Innovative cardiac rehab program that manages cardiovascular disease in older adults and addresses the context of multimorbidity, frailty, cognitive impairment, disability, and polypharmacy (Gero-Fit)
      • Promote successful transitional care, which translates into improved process measures (e.g., medication reconciliation) and outcomes (e.g., avoidable ED/hospitalization) (COMPASS transitional care program)
      • Providing access to anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease in collaboration with the VA Center for Medication Safety (Center for Cognitive Health) to ensure safe prescribing and monitoring practices.
      publications heading
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