Boston University | Alzheimer's Disease Center | Our Team | Staff

Laura Byerly

Research Assistant

Phone: 617.414.1193
Fax: 617.414.1197
Email: lkb@bu.edu
Location: Robinson – Suite 7800

Background

Laura Byerly graduated from Boston University in 2007 with a degree in American History. Laura joined the ADC as a clinical research extern in September 2005 and joined the ADC staff team in May 2007.

ADC Role

Laura is a Research Assistant for the ADMIRE study, which examines the decision making capabilities of individuals with mild cognitive impairment. For the ADMIRE study, Laura manages and codes data, performs neuropsychological assessments of study participants, and is responsible for administrative tasks.

Laura is also the Program Coordinator for the PAIRS Program, which matches first-year medical students with early-stage Alzheimer's patients in order to promote social interaction and communication between the two groups and increase future physicians' understanding of early-stage dementia.

Laura also coordinates a pilot study on heart and brain aging that is investigating the relationship between heart and brain health in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study is directed by Dr. Angela Jefferson and Dr. David Tate.

Research Interests

Laura has presented research related to the ADMIRE study. Her work focused on neuropsychological correlates of functional abilities in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. She has co-authored a paper with Dr. Angela Jefferson relating to the same subject.

Awards/Memberships

Laura was a recipient of the Boston University Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program Summer Research Award, which provides students with a sizable stipend to pursue independent research projects in a field of their choice. She also received a Travel Award from the same program to attend the International Neuropsychological Society Meeting in February 2007.

Recent Publications

Jefferson AL, Lambe S, Moser DJ, Byerly LK, Wong S, Ozonoff A, Karlawish JT, Decisional capacity for research participation in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. (In press).

Jefferson AL, Byerly LK, Vanderhill S, Lambe S, Wong S, Ozonoff A, Karlawish JT. Characterization of activities of daily living in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2008; 16(5): 1-9. [PDF]

Hubbard EJ, Santini V, Blankevoort CG, Volkers KM, Barrup MS, Byerly LK, Chaisson C, Jefferson AL, Kaplan E, Green RC, Stern RA. Clock drawing performance in healthy elderly. Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology, 2008; 23(3) 295-327. [PDF]

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