Brain Health Lab

Research laboratory devoted to addressing health disparities by improving access to services around Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Mission

Promotion of brain health in our communities is crucial for improving quality of life. Our team's research has shown that many of the Richmond residents in the greatest need of brain health services are individuals from racialized populations who have been significantly impacted by health disparities. The work of the Brain Health Lab supports efforts to increase the availability of home and community-based services and resources for people living with – or at risk for – Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their caregivers. 

The Brain Health Lab, currently staffed by a team of students and faculty, provides a number of opportunities for student involvement. We welcome additional student engagement with this important work.

Announcements

VCU project seeks to improve access to Alzheimer’s services for low-income older adults with $1.2 million grant: After receiving funds from the federal government, a team of faculty members at VCU is leading a project to address health disparities by improving access to services around Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias for low-income older adults in Richmond. Read more

Please fill out this survey if you are looking for general information on the Richmond Brain Health Initiative: RBHI Participant Inquiry Form

Please complete this form if you are trying to refer a client or patient for services from the Richmond Brain Health Initiative: RBHI Provider Referral Form 

Services

RBHI Flyer

Currently recruiting for the Brain Health Study (compensated [$50]): Sign up form (click here) 

Check back soon for upcoming additional study and treatment opportunities. 

For a connection to services free of cost, refer to our health partners with Richmond Health and Wellness Project at the VCU Health Hub.

Drop in office hours at VCU Health Hub: Ask questions about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, caregiving, memory, or more. Free and confidential. 

1330 N. 25th Street, Suite A 

Richmond, Virginia 23223

Fridays from 9:30 .a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or by appointment. Please make an appointment by emailing hawksc@vcu.edu or call the Health Hub at (804) 628-6401. 

Research

Faika Zanjani, Annie Rhodes, Alzheimer’s Prevention Lifestyle Risk Coaching in Low-income Older Adults, Innovation in Aging, Volume 5, Issue Supplement_1, 2021, Page 746, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2750

Faika Zanjani, Annie Rhodes, Memory Problems During COVID in Low-income Older Adults, Innovation in Aging, Volume 5, Issue Supplement_1, 2021, Page 741, https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab046.2734

Zanjani, F., & Gendron, T. (2021). Introduction to the JPIC issue, Aging in older adulthood: Community-level intervention programming and partnerships providing older adults with community health promotion opportunities. Journal of prevention & intervention in the community, 1–5. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/10852352.2021.1930822

Rhodes, A., Wilkerson, T., Inker, J., Richardson, J., & Zanjani, F. (2020). Telephone-Based Health Coaching: Reduction in Alzheimer’s Risk Behaviors. Innovation in Aging, 4(Suppl 1), 278. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igaa057.890

Faika Zanjani, Annie Rhodes, Taylor Wilkerson, Jennifer Inker, Joann Richardson, Addressing Alzheimer’s Risk in Racially Diverse, Low-Income Older Adults Through Telephone Health Coaching, Innovation in Aging, Volume 4, Issue Supplement_1, 2020, Page 282.

People

Dr. Faika Zanjani

Cate Hawks

Brian Battle

Kennedy O'Donnell

Dr. Lana Sargent

Dr. Brian Berman