By Cliff McBride and Matthew Cimitile, University Communications and Marketing
For the past several years, trained psychology students have administered hundreds of confidential cognitive assessments to members of the community. Under the supervision of Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Jennifer O’Brien, these students help run a free community memory screening program housed at USF St. Petersburg.
Participants concerned about memory changes or wanting a memory check for future comparison come to campus to take part in the assessment. Students also conduct screenings at community events across Tampa Bay. Such screenings are recommended by the American Academy of Neurology for adults 65 years or older, especially those who are experiencing memory loss, or who have a family history of dementia.
The program provides budding psychologists with the experience of conducting cognitive assessments in a lab setting while providing an important service to the community. Learn more about the goals and educational value of the community memory screening program in this video.
If you are interested in scheduling a free memory screening, please contact Dr. O’Brien’s lab at 727-873-4090.