Investigating how aging and stress affect memory and navigation
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Aging and Stress on Prospective Navigation
This study is testing how stress affects memory and navigation in older adults aged 65-80 to see if it leads to differences in cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 85 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Georgia Institute of Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT03896529 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying memory and navigational deficits associated with aging and stress. Participants aged 65-80 will be assigned to either a stress-manipulated or control group and will engage in a novel immersive navigation task while undergoing neuroimaging. The research aims to identify individual differences in cognitive decline related to stress and memory functioning, using advanced imaging techniques and behavioral assessments. By understanding these mechanisms, the study seeks to provide insights into how stress impacts cognitive abilities in older adults.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 65-80 who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders, such as dementia or untreated depression, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for enhancing memory and navigation skills in older adults, potentially mitigating age-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on aging and cognitive decline, this approach utilizing immersive navigation tasks and neuroimaging is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults 65-80 * U.S. citizens or permanent residents * who speak fluent English * willing to come to Georgia Tech to participate in group testing sessions. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals will be carefully screened using IRB-approved procedures for safety contraindications to MRI and electrical shock stimulation * (e.g., metal or electrical implants, heart arrhythmia, or medication affecting the cardiovascular system \[e.g. beta-blockers\]). The purpose of this study is to investigate mechanisms of normally functioning memory, and memory-related changes in healthy aging. Thus, any confounding factors that may influence cognition, other than age, will be exclusionary. Potential participants that endorse any of the following conditions will be excluded from the study: * Epilepsy * Dementia * Parkinson's disease * history of stroke or seizure * psychiatric disorders * untreated depression or emotional conditions * Attention Deficit Disorder * Multiple Sclerosis * uncontrolled hyper- or hypo-tension * untreated Diabetes * Sickle Cell Anemia * regularly use illegal or psychoactive drugs (e.g., cocaine, alcohol abuse, etc). * Additionally, individuals scoring \< 3 on WAIS-R forward span, \< 2 on WAIS-R backward span, and failing to name more than 2 vegetable names will be excluded from the study. These exclusions will insure that persons with mild cognitive impairment or typical indications of clinical dementia will be not participate in the research.
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Center for Advance Brain Imaging — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Thackery I Brown, Ph.D. — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Thackery I Brown, Ph.D.
- Email: thackery.brown@psych.gatech.edu
- Phone: 404-894-1123
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.