Training program to improve face recognition in people with developmental prosopagnosia
Characterizing and Remediating Recollection-specific Face Recognition Deficits in Developmental Prosopagnosia
This study tests a computer training program to see if it can help adults with developmental prosopagnosia improve their ability to recognize faces.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Boston VA Research Institute, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04799340 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study examines the effectiveness of a cognitive training intervention designed to enhance face recollection abilities in individuals with developmental prosopagnosia. Participants will engage in a computer-based training program that focuses on repetition lag training to improve their face recognition skills. The study aims to include adults aged 18-90 who have lifelong difficulties recognizing faces that affect their daily lives. Participants will be assessed using standardized tests to ensure they meet the criteria for inclusion.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-90 with a lifelong history of face recognition difficulties not caused by neurological events.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological disorders or psychiatric conditions that interfere with cognitive performance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the daily functioning and social interactions of individuals with developmental prosopagnosia.
How similar studies have performed: While cognitive training for face recognition is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in improving recognition abilities in similar populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Developmental prosopagnosic participants will be included if they are... * aged 18-90, * have lifelong histories of face recognition difficulties that impact their everyday life (i.e., not associated with some event such as a stroke, seizure, etc) * score significantly below the mean on the famous faces test and Cambridge Face Memory Test Exclusion Criteria: Participants will be excluded from the study if they... * have a history of a significant neurological disorder including hydrocephalus, stroke, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe neuromuscular diseases, or severe hypoxia due to cardiac arrest. * have impairments that interfere with cognitive performance, such as uncorrected hearing or vision, lack of English proficiency, musculoskeletal or other issues * have psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, chronic intractable obsessive-compulsive disorder, or agoraphobia. * We will exclude individuals who are currently dependent on alcohol or other substances, as this may negatively impact cognitive performance. * We will exclude participants who currently are, or within the last 6 months, participating in a behavioral or pharmacological intervention. * Patients with a history of mild TBI or simple concussion will not be excluded as long as it was \> 6 months ago and as long as they have not had repeated concussions (\>5) * We will include individuals with a diagnosis of ADHD as long as their medication has been consistent for the past 6 months.
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Boston Healthcare System, 150 S. Huntington Ave. — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Joseph M DeGutis, Ph.D.
- Email: degutis@hms.harvard.edu
- Phone: 510-734-7705
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.