Understanding how healthy individuals make decisions and how aging affects this process
A Non-interventional Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) Study on the Neural Bases of Decision-making in Healthy Individuals
This study looks at how healthy people make decisions and how getting older affects that process by checking their brain activity and behavior.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pavia, Ita) |
| Trial ID | NCT05774834 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the neural mechanisms behind decision-making and executive functioning in healthy individuals, particularly focusing on how these processes are influenced by aging. Participants will undergo behavioral assessments and fMRI sessions to evaluate brain activity, structural morphology, and connectivity related to decision-making. The study seeks to identify specific neural correlates of aging effects on executive functioning, especially inhibitory control, and to understand the relationship between behavioral and neural changes as individuals age. By examining these factors in a controlled environment, the study hopes to provide valuable insights into cognitive processes that may decline with age.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals who meet the inclusion criteria and can comply with study requirements.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of substance abuse, those on psychoactive medications, or individuals with contraindications for MRI scans may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of cognitive aging and inform strategies to maintain decision-making abilities in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on decision-making and aging exist, this specific approach combining behavioral assessments with multimodal fMRI is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Pavia, Ita
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA — Pavia, Ita, Italy (Recruiting)
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.