Understanding how aging affects social cognitive processing in healthy individuals
Official title: A Non-interventional Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and ElectroEncephalography (EEG) Study on the Neural Bases of Social Cognitive Processing in Healthy Individuals
Run by Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA · NCT05774860 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how aging affects the way healthy people understand and connect with others, by testing their brain activity and social skills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pavia, Ita) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 14, 2018 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05774860 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals without any history of substance abuse or psychiatric conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, those on psychoactive medications, or individuals with contraindications for MRI will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the neural bases of social cognitive processing, particularly focusing on empathy and mentalizing, in healthy individuals. Participants will undergo behavioral assessments and, for half of them, fMRI sessions to measure brain activity and structural connectivity related to social cognition. The study seeks to identify specific brain regions associated with individual differences in social cognitive performance and how these may change with aging. By addressing limitations in existing literature, this research hopes to provide insights into the 'social brain' and its role in understanding others' behaviors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of how aging impacts social cognitive abilities, potentially leading to better interventions for age-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: While there is existing literature on social cognition, this study aims to fill gaps in understanding the neural mechanisms in healthy aging, making it a novel approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy participants, as determined by screening assessments and principal investigator judgment * The participant must be able to comply with study requirements as judged by the principal investigator Exclusion Criteria: * Any history of alcohol and/or drug abuse, addiction or suspicion of regular consumption of drugs of abuse * Use of any psychoactive medication, or medications known to have effect on central nervous system (CNS) or blood flow * Any contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or any brain/head abnormalities restricting MRI eligibility
Where it's running
-
Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA
Pavia, Ita, Italy Recruiting
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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.