The Aurora Center for Active Adults is recruiting participants for a research study to determine improvements in memory using techniques developed by the University of Florida's Everyday Memory Clinic.

The research study-a joint effort with the Metropolitan State College of Denver and the first one conducted outside of the Everyday Memory Clinic-will test the memory of participants who take part in the five-week Memory Action Plan course as well as people who do not take the course. The course is designed to provide lasting improvements in confidence and memory performance among older citizens.

Participants are needed to sign up for one of two memory courses and subsequent testing offered at the Aurora Center for Active Adults, 30 Del Mar Circle:
• Sept. 30 to Nov. 4, Tuesdays 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• Nov. 18 to Dec. 23, Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The cost to participate in the course is $39 ($30 Aurora residents), and participants will receive a special gift for being part of the coordinating study.

Participants also are being recruited for memory testing only without the course to provide a base of comparison for those taking the course. Participants in this segment, who also will receive a thank you gift, will not be charged because they will not be taking the course. To sign up for the course and be a participant in the study, call 303-739-7950.

Dr. Pamela Ansburg, associate professor of psychology at the Metropolitan State Collage of Denver, will provide the instruction and testing during the research study.

The results of the research study will be compared with similar studies conducted at the University of Florida's Everyday Memory Clinic to determine whether the Memory Action Plan works as well in a community-based environment as it does within a clinical setting.

The Aurora Center for Active adults also is recruiting people to train to teach Memory Action Plan courses following the conclusion of the study. To sign up for training, call Joanne Fortsonat 303-739-7944.

Dr. Robin West, director of the Everyday Memory Clinic at the University of Florida and a faculty member of the university's Institute on Aging, developed the Memory Action Plan. West, who has conducted research on memory and aging for more than 20 years, is the author of a popular memory book titled Memory Fitness Over 40, which has been published in four countries.