Investigating how the brain's locus coeruleus affects attention in older adults

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 aims to explore the neural mechanisms behind age-related distractibility by focusing on the locus coeruleus (LC) and its connectivity with the salience network (SN). Researchers will assess how the disconnection between these brain regions contributes to difficulties in ignoring distractions among older adults. Participants will engage in a tablet-based cognitive training program designed to enhance LC-SN connectivity and improve attentional performance. The study will involve healthy adults aged 18 to 75, who will undergo various attention tasks to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion:

* Healthy adult participants
* No younger than 18 and no older than 75 yrs of age
* Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion:

* History of surgery involving metal implants
* Possible metal fragments in the eyes
* Pacemaker
* A history of claustrophobia
* Braces
* Weighing over 250 pounds
* Pregnant or possibility of being pregnant.
* Severe medical or psychiatric conditions (e.g., blind or deaf, head trauma)
* Learning disabilities or developmental disabilities

Where it's running

• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
  Blacksburg, Virginia, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Tae-Ho Lee, PhD — Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• Study coordinator: Tae-Ho Lee, PhD
• Email: taehol@vt.edu
• Phone: 540-231-6174

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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.