Joseph Dzierzewski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Clinical Psychology
806 W Franklin, rm 306
dzierzewski@vcu.edu
(804) 628-0645
Associate Professor (tenured)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Virginia
Ph.D. (2012), University of Florida
Last name is pronounced dur-JHEV-ski
Doctoral Program Affiliation
Website
Research Interests
The SAGE Research Lab examines (1) various aspects of sleep, and (2) changes associated with advancing age. In terms of sleep, the lab investigates aspects of normal sleep, insomnia, and sleep apnea. We aim to learn more about how sleep impacts important aspects of life, including: mood, pain, physical activity, and cognitive functioning. The lab is interested in identifying potential biological mechanisms, such as inflammation, that may link sleep and these important outcomes. We also explore methods to improve disturbed sleep in individuals with insomnia and/or sleep apnea. In regards to age-related phenomenon, the lab’s focus is on late-life cognitive functioning. Specifically, we aim to identify and intervene on modifiable targets (like sleep) for cognitive dysfunction in older adults. In general, the research conducted in the SAGE Research Lab involves both basic and applied science, with the ultimate goal of improving the lives of older adults.
Select Publications
Dzierzewski, J. M., Wohlgemuth, W. K., & Wallace, D. M. (2015). Adherence to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in existing users: Self-efficacy enhances the association between CPAP pressure and adherence. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 12, 169-176.
Dzierzewski, J. M., Potter, G. G., Jones, R. N., Rostant, O., Ayotte, B., Yang, F. M., Sachs, B., Feldman, B. J., & Steffens, D. C. (2015). Cognitive functioning throughout the treatment history of clinical late-life depression. Internal Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 30, 1076-1084.
Dzierzewski, J. M., Mitchell, M., Rodriguez, J. C., Fung, C. H., Jouldjian, S., Alessi, C. A., & Martin, J. L. (2015). Patterns and predictors of sleep quality before, during and after hospitalization in older adults. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 11, 45-51.
Dzierzewski, J. M., Fung, C. H, Jouldjian, S., Alessi, C. A., Irwin, M. R., & Martin, J. L. (2014). Decrease in daytime sleeping is associated with improvement in cognition after hospital discharge in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 62, 47-53.
Dzierzewski, J. M., Buman, M. P., Giacobbi, P. R., Roberts, B. L., Aiken Morgan, A., Marsiske, M., & McCrae, C. S. (2014). Exercise and sleep in community-dwelling older adults: Evidence for a reciprocal relationship. Journal of Sleep Research, 23, 61-68.
Recent Courses
- Psychology of the Abnormal, undergraduate level
Recent Grants
Cognitive and Inflammatory Consequences of Sleep Disorders in Older Adults
Amount: $759,125
Source: National Institute on Aging
Period: 7/2016 – 6/2021
Number: K23AG049955
Cognitive Response to Improved Sleep in Late-Life: The Role of Inflammation
Amount: $225,000
Sources: Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Centers; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences
Period: 7/2013 – 6/2016
Numbers: 5P30AG028748; UL1TR000124
Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Hypersomnia in At-Risk Older Adults
Amount: $49,939
Source: Sleep Research Society Foundation
Period: 5/2014 – 2/2016
Number: 001JP13
Awards
- 2015, Best Faculty Poster, Research Conference on Aging, UCLA Department of Medicine
- 2012, 2013, 2014, Funded participant, Advanced Psychometrics Methods Workshop in Cognitive Aging Research
- 2013 - present, Fellow, National Institute on Aging, Butler-Williams Scholar Program
- 2013 - present, Fellow, National Institute of Mental Health, Summer Research Institute in Geriatric Mental Health