Investigating how aging and stress affect memory and navigation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.