Maria I. Lapid, M.D.

To test the feasibility of conducting a 10-day Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) protocol twice using a cross-over design in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), pilot test the study protocol to assess study design, and collect pilot data on the effect of stimulations over 3 different brain regions (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), lateral parietal cortex (LPC), vertex (control)) on working memory, new-learning and executive function in MCI. Neuropsychological and sleep measures, functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), high density EEG and questionnaires will be performed at 5 timepoints – (i) baseline, (ii) post-treatment after first period of 10 daily iTBS rTMS sessions, (iii) post-washout period of 4 weeks, (iv) post-treatment after cross-over to second period of 10 daily iTBS rTMS sessions, and (v) 4 weeks follow-up post-treatment.

The purpose of this stufy is to test the feasibility and acceptability of using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in the inpatient setting with  Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) patients, explore the utility of biomarkers to assess response to tDCS, and assess preliminary impact on depressive and cognitive symptoms.  

The purpose of this study is to investigate cerebral hemodynamic patterns using fNIRS across individuals with mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder) and cognitive disorders (MCI), analyzing variations in cerebral blood flow. Secondary Aim: To explore the correlations between cerebral hemodynamic patterns and symptom severity, as measured by standardized clinical assessments.

The purpose of this study is to reduce behaviors and psychotic symptoms of dementia by using a weighted blanket as a non-pharmacological method to decrease agitation and distress in the elderly population.

McLean hospital,  Mayo Clinic,  Emory University, LIJ/Northwell, and Pine Rest Mental Health are conducting a research study using Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)  to treat agitation in dementia. ECT is a treatment done under general anesthesia, in which brief electric currents are passed through the brain to trigger a brief seizure. It is a safe and highly effective treatment for depression.

Agitation is common in nearly 60% of patients with dementia, increases caretaker burden, creates safety risk for individuals with dementia and others and increases risk for hospitalization and nursing home placement.

While ECT is not widely used for the treatment of agitation in patients with dementia, several publications have demonstrated its ability to help for these problematic behaviors that can accompany dementia. We propose to address this critical need for a new intervention to treat severe agitation in dementia by conducting a single blind, randomized controlled trial of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

This is a cohort study where subjects will receive either massage therapy or music therapy interventions to evaluate their impact on hospice patients.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of massage therapy on the quality of life for hospice patients.