Brent J. Small, Ph.D.
University of Victoria, 1995

Associate Professor
Director of Undergraduate Studies
School of Aging Studies

Email: bsmall@cas.usf.edu
Telephone: 813-974-9746
Curriculum Vitae (pdf)
Biosketch (pdf)

Description of Research Interests
Broadly, my research has examined longitudinal changes, and individual difference predictors of change, in the cognitive functioning of healthy older adults, as well as persons who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In addition, I have pursued a line of research that examines measures of cognitive performance as a means of identifying individuals who are at risk of developing AD. More recently, my work has focused on cognitive changes associated with treatment for cancer, as well as the genetic correlates of this change. Finally, I have been involved on several projects that have applied advanced longitudinal statistical analysis to better understand developmental processes. This includes the use of structural equation modeling, latent change analysis, growth mixture modeling, and random effects models.

Professional Service

• Editorial Board Member, Aging, Neuropsychology, & Cognition (2004-present)
• Editorial Board Member, Psychology and Aging (2004-present)
• Editorial Board Member, Journal of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences (2004-present)
• Study Section Member, NIA-S, National Institute of Aging (2007-present)

Grant Support (Active)

• R03 CA-121750 (Small) - 9/1/2006 – 7/31/2008
  National Cancer Institute
  Apolipoprotein E and Cognitive Performance in Breast Cancer Survivors
  The goal of this project is to genotype a longitudinal sample of breast cancer survivors and healthy controls for the Apolipoprotein E genotype to determine whether the ε4 variant of this gene negatively impacts cognitive performance. Role: PI
• R01-CA132803 (Jacobsen) - 4/1/2008-3/31/2012
  National Cancer Institute
  LHRH Agonist Therapy and Cognitive Functioning in Men with Prostate Cancer
  The goal of this project is to examine longitudinal changes in cognitive functioning among men with prostate cancer, as well as healthy controls. In addition, a focus area of the grant is on the role of APOE, COMT, and BDNF genotype on cognitive functioning. I am the statistical consultant on this grant and I am also involved with examining the relationship between the genetic polymorphisms and cognitive functioning among the older adults. Role: Co-I
• R03 CA 126775-01 (Jim) - 04/01/07 – 03/31/09
  National Cancer Institute
  Symptom Measurement and Interrelationships During Chemotherapy for Ovarian Cancer
  The goal of this project is to examine daily ratings of fatigue and distress from patients undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. I am the statistical consultant on this grant. Role: Co-I
• MRSG-06-082-01CPPB (Donovan) - 01/01/2006 – 12/31/2010
  American Cancer Society
  The major goals of this project are to identify the longitudinal course and characteristics of sexual problems in women undergoing treatment for early stage cervical cancer and to develop an interdisciplinary intervention to address these problems. I am the statistical consultant on this grant. Role: Co-I
• R21 CA-124606 (Balducci) - 12/01/2006 – 11/30/2008
  National Cancer Institute
  Support of the Caregiver of the Older Cancer Patient Undergoing Chemotherapy
  The goal of this project is to examine the effectiveness of a psychosocial skills coping intervention on the quality of life of older adult caregivers of cancer patients. I am the statistical consultant on this grant. Role: Co-I
• R01-NR-008252 (McMillan) - 9/1/04-8/31/08
  National Institute of Nursing Research
  Systematic Assessment to Improve Hospice Outcomes
  The major goal of this research is to the role of a psychosocial intervention in improving the quality of life for hospice patients. I will serve as statistical consultant on this grant. Role: Co-I
• R01 CA-82822 (Jacobsen) - 7/1/04-6/30/09
  National Cancer Institute
  Cognitive-Behavioral Aspects of Cancer-Related Fatigue
  The major goal of this project is to identify the features, course, and contributing factors for fatigue in women receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for early stage breast cancer. Role: Co-I
• R01 NR008270 (McMillan) - 9/30/02-6/30/07
  National Institute of Nursing Research
  Caregivers of Cancer Pain Patients: Coping Intervention
  The major goal of this project is to develop and evaluate a coping skills intervention for family caregivers of cancer pain patients. Role: Co-I
• P50-AG025711 (Potter) - 4/1/05-3/30/10
  National Institute on Aging
  Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
  This grant funds an Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at the University of South Florida. I am a member of the Data Core. Role: Co-I
• ACS 109019 RSGPB (Jacobsen) -7/1/05 – 6/30/09
  American Cancer Society
  Stress Management and Exercise During Cancer Chemotherapy
  The goal of this project is to examine the impact of stress management or exercise interventions on the quality of life of cancer patients. I am the statistician on this grant. Role: Co-I
• P20 CA103676 (Jacobsen)- 9/1/03–8/31/08
  National Cancer Institute Moffitt Aging & Cancer Pilot Research Grant
  The major goal of this project is to promote aging & cancer research at Moffitt Cancer Center. I serve as statistical consultant on this project. Role: Co-I
• P01-AG004418-23 (Bickford) 7/1/2006-6/30/2011
  National Institute on Aging
  Aminergic Function in Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease
  The goals of this program project are to examine oxidative stress and aging. I am the director of the statistical core (Core C) of this grant. Role:  Co-I.

Publications (representative publications selected from over 100)

Bielak, A. A. M., Hughes, T. F., Small, B. J., & Dixon, R. A. (2007).  Does an engaged lifestyle predict cognitive level and inconsistency 3 and 6 years later?  Journal of Gerontology:  Psychological Sciences, 62B, P331-P339.

Bäckman, L. & Small. B J. (2007).  Cognitive deficits in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia:  Patterns of findings from The Kungsholmen Project.  Physiology and Behavior, 92, 80-86.

Donovan, K. A., Small, B. J., Andrykowski, M. A., Munster, P., & Jacobsen, P. B. (2007).  Utility of a Cognitive-Behavioral Model to Predict Persistent Fatigue Following Treatment for Early Stage Breast Cancer.  Health Psychology, 26, 464-472.

Jacobs, S. R., Small, B. J., Booth-Jones, M., Jacobsen, P. B., & Fields, K. (2007).  Changes in cognitive functioning in the year following Hematopoietic Stem Cell transplantation.  Cancer, 110, 1560-1567.

Small, B. J. & Bäckman, L. (2007).  Longitudinal trajectories of cognitive change in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.  A Growth Mixture Modeling analysis.  Cortex, 43, 826-834.

Small, B. J., Gaqnon, E., & Robinson, B. (2007).  Early identification of cognitive deficits in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment.  Geriatrics, 62,19-23.

Small. B. J., Hughes, T. F., Hultsch, D. F., & Dixon, R. A. (2006).  Lifestyle activities and late-life changes in cognitive performance.  In Y. Stern (Ed.), Cognitive reserve (pp. 173-186).  New York, NY:  Psychology Press.

Honors and Awards

Classes Taught

GEY 4401 – Research Methods in Gerontology
GEY 6934 - Advanced Statistics and Research Methods
GEY 6934 - PhD Seminar in Cognitive Aging
GEY 6934 - PhD Seminar in Psychological Aging