TAMPA, Fla. — A study that could help with Alzheimer’s prevention is underway at USF, and researchers are looking to enroll new participants.

It’s called the PACT Research Study, which stands for Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training. Participants work on computerized brain training exercises at home for just a few hours a week.

“We are trying to find a non-pharmaceutical preventative way to slow decline or potentially prevent dementia,” said Dr. Jennifer O’Brien, an associate professor who is heading up the research at USF.

Gilda Suarez's 94-year-old mother has dementia, and it has impacted her entire family. She said the signs of cognitivie decline started a few years ago.

Suarez says heredity concerns led her to participate in the USF study.

O'Brien said the exercises included in the study are adaptive, meaning they get harder as they go along.

Researchers are looking to enroll 600 more people in the study by the end of the year, with diversity of participants a priority.

To qualify, you have to be 65 years of age or older and cognitively healthy.

For information on how to enroll, visit the PACT Research Study website.