Understanding how the glymphatic system works during sleep and meditation
Quantitation of Glymphatic Functioning in Sleep and Meditative States
NA · Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT04506892
This study looks at how the brain cleans itself during sleep and meditation in experienced meditators to see if it can help us understand brain health and conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Vanderbilt University Medical Center (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, Tennessee) |
| Trial ID | NCT04506892 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the glymphatic system, which is responsible for clearing waste from the brain, during different states such as wakefulness, sleep, and meditation. Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, the research focuses on healthy volunteers who are experienced meditators. The goal is to understand the hemodynamic and metabolic relationships in the brain during these states, which may provide insights into conditions like Parkinson's disease and sleep disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals aged 14-45 who are adept at meditation.
Not a fit: Patients with major neurological or psychological conditions, or those with contraindications to MRI, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of brain waste clearance mechanisms, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have performed: While the glymphatic system is a relatively novel area of research, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding its role in brain health.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 14-45 * "Adept meditator status" Exclusion Criteria: * Any non-MR compatible material implant, or contraindication to MR scanning * Claustrophobia or inability to lie still for prolonged periods of time * Participants with a recent (less than 2 months) infection, tattoo, or wound * No consumption of stimulants or alcohol within 12 hours of the study visit * clinical diagnosis of any major neurological or psychological condition * Taking benzodiazepines, cholinestorase inhibitors, anti-psychotics, opioids, MAO inhibitors
Where this trial is running
Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, Tennessee, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Claassen, MD — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Daniel Claassen, MD
- Email: daniel.claassen@vumc.org
- Phone: 6153226103
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: Parkinson Disease, Sleep, glymphatic system, meditation