Ben Volz
Stefan Delmas explains the useful field of view test to Elinor Stutler in the Movement Neuroscience Rehabilitation Lab at Colorado State University Sept. 19. "This tests individuals' ability to pay attention to two things at once," Delmas said. "It’s highly robust and validated as a way to assess crash risk."
Colorado State University’s Movement Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Laboratory has taken a deep dive into Alzheimer’s disease, discovering that something as simple as a subtle shift in driving patterns can be early indicators of memory decline. Their current “Independence in Driving,” or I-Drive, study aims to connect science and community, establishing advancements for CSU and beyond.
Neha Lodha, an associate professor of health and exercise science and the director of the MNR Lab, has the goal of pinpointing fluctuations in movement to determine early signs of cognitive impairment. Lodha and her team have been studying how the earliest signs of memory decline can be identified in daily tasks, such as driving and cooking.
Stefan Delmas is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the MNR Lab and received his Ph.D. at the University of Florida. Delmas said he wanted to work in an environment where he could continue delving deeper into neurological populations and motor control mechanisms.
“I was looking for a lab where I can kind of build on that and look for real world outcomes that can make a huge impact (on) people’s lives,” Delmas said. “Dr. Neha Lodha has this focus on real world, everyday functional activities and driving being like a core thing with that.”
Anjali Tiwari is a third-year Ph.D. student at the MNR Lab and a trained physical therapist. Citing her strong passion for the dynamic interaction between cognitive and motor function during rehabilitation, Tiwari was led toward the I-Drive study because it was connected to her interest in detecting early cognitive changes.
“While existing biomarkers like blood tests or brain imaging are promising, they can be invasive, expensive and aren’t easily accessible to everyone,” Tiwari said. “Our lab wanted to investigate a different approach, one that’s non-invasive, cost-effective and based on everyday behavior.”
With the help of collaborators and community engagement programs, the study comprises one of two sessions, during which there are cognitive, motor, walking and balance assessments. The lab utilizes tools such as motion sensors, driving simulators and sensors for one’s own car.
“We are contributing to this global workforce of brilliant scientists who are trying to advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. We like to give back to the community, and so one of the things we do is we kind of set up these public health initiatives where we will open it up to the community.” –Stefan Delmas, MNR Lab post-doctoral fellow
Throughout the study, Tiwari ensures participants are comfortable, informed and supported throughout the entire process. Lodha and her team are continuing to find participants between 60 and 85 with memory concerns, as well as healthy adults, to generate a diversified pool of results.
“This approach gives us a real-world window into cognitive function before more obvious symptoms appear,” Tiwari said.
Delmas and Tiwari said they’ve formed fond memories working with people during the study, particularly in growing personal connections. The lab emphasized the importance of students and Fort Collins locals having the opportunity to be a part of the research.
“(Students) get opportunities to look at data and analyze data,” Delmas said. “They can even have opportunities to develop their own research projects and present at local symposiums to show off what they’ve learned in a tangible way.”
“Not only are we top notch on the science side of things but also on the people side of things,” Delmas said.
Tiwari recalled one participant in particular who expressed her gratitude for being part of the study. The participant exclaimed that she felt heard in terms of her experiences and difficulties and did not feel like another test subject.
While the study is still ongoing and in its earlier stages, Delmas said he noticed that participants with cognitive impairments have a tendency to avoid newer, unfamiliar locations, staying fixated on familiar places.
“The cool thing is that these very early observations are from real-world driving data collected with passive monitoring technology over several months,” Delmas said.
Delmas said this research is not only advancing the scientific community’s understanding of Alzheimer’s, but it is also cultivating connection through serving the community.
“We are contributing to this global workforce of brilliant scientists who are trying to advance our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease,” Delmas said. “We like to give back to the community, and so one of the things we do is we kind of set up these public health initiatives where we will open it up to the community.”
Tiwari said she is hopeful the lab’s efforts will help in developing more convenient and reliable biomarkers for Alzheimer’s.
“Beyond the science, our ultimate goal is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who are affected by this disease, helping them receive easier support, better interventions and an improved quality of life,” Tiwari said.
Reach Sananda Chandy at science@collegian.com or on social media @rmcollegian.