Finding and treating long-term effects of repeated mild brain injuries in older adults
Developing an Evidence-based Approach to Diagnose and Treat Adults With a History of Concussion
This project will test whether combining NeuroTracker, MRI, and blood biomarkers can find long-term effects of past concussions and whether NeuroTracker training can improve thinking in adults aged 60 and older with a history of concussion.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université de Montréal Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Victoria, British Columbia and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07025317 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project combines NeuroTracker-based perceptual-cognitive testing and training with advanced MRI scans and blood-based biomarkers to detect lingering effects of past mild traumatic brain injuries in older adults. Researchers will enroll men and women aged 60+ with and without a history of concussion (most recent concussion at least one year prior) and compare cognitive, imaging, and biomarker profiles. Participants will undergo baseline cognitive testing, MRI, and blood draws; those with concussion history will receive NeuroTracker training with pre- and post-intervention measurements. The goal is to determine whether this multimodal approach improves sensitivity for detecting long-term concussion effects and whether NeuroTracker can produce measurable cognitive benefits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 60 or older with a history of one or more concussions (most recent at least one year ago), who can undergo MRI, blood draws, and computer-based cognitive testing and do not have a diagnosed neurological disorder.
Not a fit: People with diagnosed neurodegenerative disorders (for example, established dementia), recent concussions within the past year, inability to undergo MRI or blood draws, or who cannot participate in computer-based training are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable earlier detection of subtle long-term concussion effects and provide a non-invasive NeuroTracker training that improves cognitive performance in older adults with prior concussions.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies suggest NeuroTracker can detect attentional deficits and sometimes improve cognitive performance, but combining it with MRI and blood biomarkers for long-term concussion effects is relatively novel and not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * It will be based on age (60+ years) and history of concussion (with the most recent concussion occurring at least one year prior to the study). Consistent with the literature, the history of concussion will be determined by interviewing participants about their experience with each experience of concussion (e.g. how was the injury sustained (sports injury, vehicle accident, etc.), how long has it been since the injury, did they experience a loss of consciousness during the event, how was their concussion diagnosed, what were their symptoms and when did the symptoms resolve). The interview will also gather information on age, sex, gender, education, occupation, and medical history (e.g. mood, medications). These variables will be coded and included in analyses, as appropriate. For example, years of education and years since the most recent concussion can be used as covariates. Exclusion Criteria: * Include the presence of a diagnosed neurological disorder (e.g. Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease), history of severe psychiatric disorder (e.g. schizophrenia), or any condition or medication that could affect cognition (e.g. psychotropic, anticholinergic drugs). Exclusion criteria also screen out the presence of any diagnosed visual impairment that could impede NeuroTracker training (i.e. severe colour blindness, monocular vision, blindness), and contraindications for MRI (e.g. metal implants).
Where this trial is running
Victoria, British Columbia and 2 other locations
- Christie Lab — Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
- Jodie Gawryluk — Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
- Faubert Lab — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jocelyn Faubert Principal Investigator, PhD — Université de Montréal
- Study coordinator: Eduardo Lugo Project Manager, PhD
- Email: eduardo.lugo.arce@umontreal.ca
- Phone: 1-514-441-9197
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.