Exploring the link between memory and social interactions in Alzheimer's and semantic dementia
Memory and Social Interactions: Study in Alzheimer's Disease and Semantic Progressive Aphasia
This study is testing if social interactions can help improve memory and thinking skills in people with Alzheimer's and semantic dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 192 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Caen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Caen) |
| Trial ID | NCT05800028 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates how social interactions can serve as a beneficial context for learning in patients with Alzheimer's disease and semantic dementia. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of social interactions in enhancing memory and cognitive function among individuals diagnosed with these conditions. Participants will include patients with Alzheimer's disease, semantic variant primary progressive aphasia, and healthy controls, all aged between 50 and 85 years. The study will also involve partners who have maintained regular social interactions with the patients, providing a comprehensive view of the social dynamics at play.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 50 to 85 with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or semantic variant primary progressive aphasia.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or those who do not engage in regular social interactions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how social interactions can improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and semantic dementia.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated that social interactions can positively impact cognitive function in similar patient populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * AD group: Age between 50 and 85 years, Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease dementia with amnestic presentation and documented decline following the recommendations from the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association workgroups on diagnostic guidelines for Alzheimer's disease. * SPPA group: Age between 50 and 85 years, Diagnosis of the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia following the classification of primary progressive aphasia and its variants. * HC group: Age between 50 and 85 years, Matched in age and sociocultural status with one of the AD or SPPA patients, No cognitive complain, No recent reduction in social or cognitive activities, No contraindication to MRI examination. * Partners: Age over 18 years of age , No cognitive complaints, Social interactions of at least two hours per week for at least 5 years with one of the individuals of the other three groups. Exclusion criteria (for all groups): * Deprivation of liberty by judicial or administrative decision * Not being a member of a social security system * Concurrent participation in a therapeutic drug trial * Uncorrected visual and/or auditory disorders that are sufficiently significant to interfere with the protocol * History of neurological disorders (stroke, epilepsy, head trauma with loss of consciousness for more than one hour) * History of chronic alcoholism or drug abuse * History within the last 10 years of a clinically significant major psychiatric disorder * Cancer within the past 5 years, except for squamous cell carcinoma * Use of medications that may affect cognitive and/or brain function. Given the number of molecules involved and the dosages, the principal investigator will judge on a case-by-case basis whether regular use of certain medications will interfere with the study
Where this trial is running
Caen
- Caen University Hospital — Caen, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Olivier MARTINAUD, MD, PhD
- Email: martinaud-o@chu-caen.fr
- Phone: 33 2 31 06 46 17
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.