Investigating how the brain's locus coeruleus affects attention in older adults
Losing Specificity: the Role of the Locus Coeruleus in Age-related Distractibility
This study is testing a tablet-based training program to see if it can help older adults focus better by improving connections in their brain that affect attention.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Blacksburg, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05574634 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged between 18 and 75 who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with severe medical or psychiatric conditions, or those with specific exclusions such as metal implants or learning disabilities, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive training methods that enhance attention in older adults, potentially mitigating age-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting LC-SN connectivity is novel, related studies have shown promise in cognitive training for improving attention in older populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Blacksburg, Virginia
- 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
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.