Maya Elias

PhD, MA, RN

As a geriatric critical care nurse scientist, it is my long-term goal to build a program of research that improves outcomes for older adults. I develop and test non-pharmacological interventions for the secondary and tertiary prevention of post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and geriatric syndromes—which can include delirium, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD)—in older adult ICU survivors. My commitment to improving outcomes for older adults is demonstrated by my focused pursuit of research collaborations in geriatrics across clinical settings and transitions of care. My current program of research is supported by an NIH/NIA K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23AG078448) to conduct a randomized clinical trial applying sleep and circadian science-based approaches to cognitive interventions. I completed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship, funded by an NIH/NINR F32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32NR018585), to examine the impact of sleep disturbances on cognitive function in a cohort of English- and Spanish-speaking older adult ICU survivors. Moreover, while pursuing my PhD in Nursing Science and Master’s Degree in Gerontology, my clinical experiences at the bedside as a Neuroscience Registered Nurse fueled my passion for scientific research. Collectively, my research and clinical experiences provide the foundation to contribute to the intersection between science and practice in geriatric critical care nursing.