The Role of the Locus Coeruleus in Age-related Distractibility

Launched by VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY · Oct 6, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a specific part of the brain called the locus coeruleus (LC) affects our ability to focus, especially as we age. Researchers believe that changes in the connections between the LC and another brain network, known as the salience network (SN), may make it harder for older adults to ignore distractions. The goal of the study is to see if improving the connection between these brain areas through a special training program can help enhance attention in older adults.

To participate in the trial, you need to be a healthy adult aged between 18 and 75 years old. It’s important that you can give written consent and do not have certain medical conditions, like having a pacemaker or a history of severe psychiatric issues. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo assessments related to your attention and possibly take part in a cognitive training program aimed at improving your focus. This research could help us better understand how age affects attention and lead to new ways to support cognitive health in older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion:
• • Healthy adult participants
• • No younger than 18 and no older than 75 yrs of age
• • Ability to provide written informed consent
• Exclusion:
• • History of surgery involving metal implants
• • Possible metal fragments in the eyes
• • Pacemaker
• • A history of claustrophobia
• • Braces
• • Weighing over 250 pounds
• • Pregnant or possibility of being pregnant.
• • Severe medical or psychiatric conditions (e.g., blind or deaf, head trauma)
• • Learning disabilities or developmental disabilities