The Buckeye Brain Aging Lab (B-BAL), directed by Dr. Scott M. Hayes, works primarily with healthy young, middle-aged, and older adults, as well as individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. One of the main research themes of the B-BAL is to examine modifiable lifestyle variables that are associated with optimal cognitive performance and brain health. This includes the examination of physical attributes such as aerobic fitness, strength, spatiotemporal gait metrics, and balance, as well as sleep and nutrition. We work with sedentary adults as well as masters level athletes, including Ohio Senior Olympians. Using neuroimaging techniques including structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), the B-BAL focuses on:

1. Studying the relationships between modifiable lifestyle variables, cognition, and the brain
2. Examining the neural correlates of cognition (emphasis in episodic memory) using magnetic resonance imaging
3. Applying advanced MRI techniques to clinical populations with memory impairments

The B-BAL is physically located in the OSU Department of Psychology. Dr. Hayes and the B-BAL receive support from The National Institute on Aging (NIA), the Department of Defense, private foundations, private donations, and The Ohio State University Chronic Brain Injury Discovery Theme.