How attention and cholinergic signaling work in older adults with subjective cognitive decline
Official title: Attentional Mechanisms of Cognitive Compensation in Subjective Cognitive Decline
Run by Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT06002477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether blocking a key brain chemical with mecamylamine disrupts attention more in older adults who feel their thinking is slipping than in those who do not, using cognitive tests and EEG.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | June 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06002477 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are non-smoking adults aged 55 or older who are cognitively normal on screening (MoCA ≥26, GDS <3), report subjective cognitive decline, and have no medical contraindications to mecamylamine.
✕Probably not a fit
People with mild cognitive impairment (MoCA <26), notable depressive symptoms (GDS ≥3), active smokers, those on contraindicated medications, or with primary neurological disorders are unlikely to be eligible or to receive benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This double-blind, randomized early-phase study will give cognitively normal adults with and without subjective cognitive decline either mecamylamine (an anticholinergic) or placebo across two visits and measure attention using the Attention Network Test and EEG. About 80 participants aged 55 and older will be enrolled, screened to exclude mild cognitive impairment and significant depression (MoCA ≥26, GDS <3) and to rule out medical contraindications. The primary approach compares changes in orienting attention ERP amplitudes and behavioral performance under drug versus placebo, testing whether those with greater subjective concern show larger declines when cholinergic function is blocked. Results aim to clarify whether enhanced cholinergic-supported compensatory attention activity helps preserve normal cognition in people with subjective cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could reveal early brain mechanisms tied to subjective cognitive decline and help guide future early detection or targeted intervention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Prior pharmacological challenge studies using anticholinergic agents have successfully probed attention and EEG markers, though applying this approach specifically to subjective cognitive decline is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. age ≥ 55 2. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) \> 25 AND Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) rating \< 3 3. Non-smokers Exclusion Criteria: 1. medical contraindications to the drug challenge 2. primary neurological disorder (such as stroke, epilepsy, etc.)
Where it's running
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kimberly Albert, PhD
- Email: kimberly.albert@vumc.org
- Phone: 6159364559
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.