Understanding how carbon dioxide affects cognitive function
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A Pilot Study of a Hypothesized Mechanism to Explain Cognitive Impairment
NA · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT05292378
This study is testing how different levels of carbon dioxide affect thinking and brain function in people.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Piscataway, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT05292378 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to investigate the biological mechanisms behind cognitive impairments induced by carbon dioxide (CO2) exposure. Participants will undergo two separate exposure sessions, where they will be exposed to either 600 ppm (control) or 2500 ppm (exposure) of CO2 in a controlled environment. Each session will last 2.5 hours and will include neurobehavioral assessments, blood sample collection, and optional fMRI scans for a subset of participants. The order of exposure will be randomized to ensure unbiased results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 and weigh at least 110 pounds.
Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes requiring insulin, or those with a history of anxiety disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how elevated CO2 levels impact cognitive function, potentially informing public health guidelines and safety standards.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on cognitive function and environmental factors exist, this specific investigation into CO2 levels and cognitive impairment is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * History of COVID-19 vaccination * Weigh at least 110 pounds Exclusion Criteria: * Colorblindness * Inability to hear verbal instructions * Cardiovascular disease, including a history of stroke * Diabetes requiring the use of insulin * Pregnancy * Current asthma (an asthma attack within the past five years) * Medications for or history of anxiety disorder diagnosis or panic attacks * Medications which may affect cognition such as beta-blockers and CNS depressants Temporary Exclusion Criteria * Respiratory symptoms in the previous four weeks * Use of sedating cold/allergy medications in the previous week * Use of marijuana in the previous week * Consumption of alcohol in the previous 24 hours Additional Exclusion Criteria for Subjects undergoing the fMRI scan: * History of head trauma or neurosurgery or neurological disorder * Ferrous metal implanted in or on the body, electrical devices such as a pacemaker, nonremovable ferrous jewelry * Surgical pins or plates above the neck * History of eye injury involving metallic materials, shavings in eyes, or welding without a face mask * Lead or iron tatoos * Claustrophobia * Back problems that would prevent the subject from laying still comfortably for up to 90 minutes Additional Exclusion Criteria for Subjects undergoing CAIM * Current or recent contact lens use
Where this trial is running
Piscataway, New Jersey
- Rutgers - EOHSI — Piscataway, New Jersey, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Howard Kipen, MD — Professor
- Study coordinator: Kathy Black, PhD
- Email: kgblack@eohsi.rutgers.edu
- Phone: 848-445-6049
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.
Conditions: Healthy, Carbon Dioxide, Cognitive Impairment