Investigating how attention works in older adults with cognitive decline
Cholinergic Mechanisms of Attention in Aging
This study is testing how a new medication affects attention in older adults who feel their thinking is getting worse, to see if it can help them focus better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT04756232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the role of cholinergic mechanisms in attention among older adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD). Using an anticholinergic pharmacological probe, participants will undergo a double-blind, randomized challenge with either mecamylamine/scopolamine or a placebo. The study will assess attention network function through cognitive testing and EEG measurements, focusing on how these mechanisms may compensate for cognitive performance in older adults with SCD. The primary outcomes include the feasibility of EEG during drug challenges and the effects on attentional performance as measured by the Attention Network Test.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cognitively normal older adults aged 55 and above with subjective cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients with primary neurological disorders or medical contraindications to the drug challenge may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of cognitive decline mechanisms and lead to improved interventions for older adults experiencing attention-related issues.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using anticholinergic challenges in this context may be novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cognitive mechanisms in aging.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kimberly Albert, PhD
- Email: kimberly.albert@vumc.org
- Phone: 6159364559
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.