Investigating how emotions affect cognition in older adults
Hemispheric Asymmetries in Emotion-Cognition Interactions
This study is testing how feelings of fear affect thinking and memory in older adults with and without anxiety or depression.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT06406595 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research involves two groups of older adults: those with anxiety and/or depression and those without mental health issues. Participants will undergo an emotional oddball task while their brain activity is recorded using a non-invasive EEG cap with 256 sensors. The study aims to explore how fearful emotions influence cognitive processes such as attention and memory, particularly focusing on the neural correlates of these interactions. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to contribute to the development of effective treatments for anxiety and depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged over 60, either with anxiety and/or depression or without any mental health issues.
Not a fit: Patients currently taking medication that affects brain activity or those with neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how emotions impact cognitive functions, potentially leading to improved treatments for anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, similar studies using EEG to explore emotion-cognition interactions have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The healthy older adult group is composed of participants aged over 60 who do not exhibit mental health issues and demonstrate healthy aging from a cognitive perspective. * The older adults with mental health issues group will consist participants aged over 60 diagnosed with these conditions are included while still demonstrating healthy aging from a cognitive standpoint. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants currently taking medication known to affect brain activity and/or cognitive processing. * Participants with a history of alcohol or substance abuse. * Participants with a history of head injury or concussion that may impact brain activity and/or cognitive processing. * Participants with Neurological Disorders. * Participants with Edinburgh Handedness Inventory scores falling within the range of \[-40, 40\].
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- University of Alberta — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anthony Singhal, PhD — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Fan Peng, EdD
- Email: fpeng3@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 5878730966
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.