Cholinergic Mechanisms of Attention in Aging

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Feb 15, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Cholinergic Mechanisms of Attention in Aging," is studying how attention works in older adults who feel that their thinking abilities are declining, a condition known as Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). Researchers believe that older adults with SCD might show more activity in their attention networks to help maintain their cognitive abilities. They will use a medication that affects a brain chemical called acetylcholine to see how this impacts attention. The goal is to understand if disrupting this brain process makes it harder for these individuals to pay attention compared to those who do not have SCD.

To participate in this study, you need to be at least 55 years old, a non-smoker, and have a certain level of cognitive function as measured by standard tests. If eligible, you can expect to undergo some tests that measure your attention and brain activity. The trial is currently recruiting participants, and it's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions or primary neurological disorders will not be able to join. This research could help improve our understanding of attention issues in older adults and lead to better support for those experiencing cognitive decline.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. age ≥ 55
• • 2. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) \> 25 AND Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) rating \< 3
• • 3. Non-smokers
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. medical contraindications to the drug challenge
• • 2. primary neurological disorder (such as stroke, epilepsy, etc.)