Social cognition and emotion recognition in autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias
Official title: Ataxies SpinoCérébelleuses Autosomiques Dominantes et Cognition Sociale - Etude SoCoSca
Run by University Hospital, Angers · NCT07099651 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether adults with certain genetic forms of spinocerebellar ataxia have trouble recognizing emotions and understanding others' thoughts compared with healthy people.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Angers Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Angers) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07099651 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with molecularly confirmed autosomal dominant SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, or 27B who speak and read French, have at least seven years of schooling, can consent, and have no MRI contraindication are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
People without genetic confirmation of an autosomal dominant SCA, those with other neurological or psychiatric disorders, pregnant or nursing women, those who cannot undergo MRI, or those who do not meet the language or education requirements are unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study compares adults with molecularly confirmed autosomal dominant SCA (types 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 27B) to neurologically healthy controls using standardized tests of emotion recognition and theory of mind. Participants will complete cognitive and behavioral testing and, where possible, undergo MRI to explore anatomical correlates of any social cognition deficits. People with other neurological or psychiatric conditions, pregnancy, or contraindications to MRI are excluded. The goal is to clarify whether social cognition problems are a consistent feature across these SCA subtypes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians recognize social cognition difficulties in SCA patients so they can provide targeted support, counseling, or interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous literature of roughly 15 small studies has suggested impairments in basic emotion recognition and theory of mind in genetic cerebellar disorders, but results are limited by small samples and inconsistent anatomical correlations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: For all participants: * Men or women aged 18 and over * At least 7 years' schooling (CEP level) * Ability to read, write and speak French * Signed informed consent to participate in the study For patients : \- With molecularly confirmed autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 27B) For controls: \- With no neurological pathology (questioning and neurological examination) Exclusion Criteria: For patients and controls: * Simultaneous participation in another protocol that may interfere with the measurement of the criteria of interest * Physical or cultural factors likely to interfere with test performance * History likely to interfere with cognition (stroke, cranioencephalic trauma, other neurodegenerative disease, epilepsy, learning disability, alcohol dependence syndrome, psychiatric disorders...) * Persons with contraindications to MRI scans * Pregnant, nursing or parturient women * Persons deprived of their liberty by judicial or administrative decision * Persons under compulsory psychiatric care * Persons subject to a legal protection measure * Persons unable to express their consent * Persons not affiliated to or not benefiting from a social security scheme (beneficiary or beneficiary entitled)
Where it's running
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CHU Angers
Angers, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Philippe Allain, professor
- Email: phallain@chu-angers.fr
- Phone: +33241355976
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.