The Neurochemistry and Cognition Lab, led by principal investigator Anne Berry, examines relationships among neurochemistry, brain activity and cognition in humans.
Professor Berry is interested in how individual differences in the dopamine system shape functional interactions among prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus. Her research combines behavior and neuroimaging approaches (fMRI, EEG, PET) in young and older adults.
Participate in Our Studies
The Brandeis Aging Brain Study
This is step one of our research program and a prerequisite for participation in all other studies. Complete surveys, puzzles, and brain teasers to measure cognitive performance.
- Age Group: 18+
- Time Commitment: 2.5-3 hours
- Compensation: $60
Find out if you qualify
Aging, Norepinephrine, and Tau (LC) Study
The LC Study is investigating how a specific area of the brain, the Locus Coeruleus, is involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This study involves measures of brain structure and function using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) scanning techniques.
- Age Group: 60+
- Time Commitment: Two two-day visits, 3 years apart
- Compensation: Up to $1400
- Transportation can be provided for this study.
Find out if you qualify
Cognitive Effort in Daily-Life in Aging Study
This study examines the relationship between daily life activities and cognition. Participants wear an Oura ring for three weeks, which passively tracks activity (i.e., steps, heart rate), temperature, and sleep with sensors embedded inside the ring.
- Age Group: We are currently only enrolling individuals aged 35-60
- Time Commitment: One 2.5 hour cognitive testing session followed by a 3-week period of wearing a physical activity ring
- Compensation: Up to $85
Find out if you qualify
The Curiosity and Decision Making Study
This study aims to investigate how curiosity changes across the lifespan and affects decision-making. Complete computer tasks while an eye-tracker monitors your eye movements.
- Age Group: We are currently only enrolling inviduals aged 60+
- Time Commitment: 2 hours + 1 hour remote-session the following day
- Compensation: $45
Find out if you qualify
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand All
Some of our studies focus only on adults over the age of 60, but most of our studies also enroll individuals aged 18+, so that we can try to understand how the brain changes across the lifetime.
Eligibility Criteria
We currently only enroll individuals who have not been diagnosed with:
- Parkinson’s
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Alzheimer’s
- ALS
- MS
- Tourette’s
- Schizophrenia
- OCD
- Bipolar disorder
Imaging Safety
In order to participate in our brain imaging studies, which involve MRI and PET imaging scans, we will conduct a thorough safety screening to ensure that you meet the requirements. Individuals who have certain types of metal or medical implants or a history of seizures would not be able to safely participate in this portion of our research, but are welcome to participate in our behavioral studies.
Our behavioral study sessions take place in the Brown Social Science Center on the Brandeis University Campus.
Our imaging study sessions take place at the Athinoula A. Martinos Center on the MGH East Campus in Charlestown.
Our behavioral studies pay approximately $40-$60 per session. Our imaging studies pay approximately $150-$450 per session. Some of our studies pay in cash, while others require a check to be sent in the mail.
If your cognitive test results fall below the threshold of what is considered normal for a person your age, we will let you know and provide resources for following up with a medical health professional.
The Brown Social Science Center is easily accessible by car or the MBTA. The Fitchburg line stops at the Brandeis/Roberts station, which is approximately 1/2 mile from our office.
For those who do not drive or have access to transportation, we can provide transportation to the Martinos Center for you at no cost.
Your personally identifiable information is kept in a password protected program, which can only be accessed by members of our team. We will assign a participant ID to your data, so that your name is not associated with any of the data that we collect from your study sessions. Any forms that require your signature are kept in a locked cabinet in a locked office.
