Hemispheric Asymmetries in Emotion-Cognition Interactions

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA · May 6, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how emotions, particularly fear, can affect thought processes in older adults, specifically those with anxiety or depression compared to those without mental health issues. Researchers want to learn more about how our feelings and thinking interact as we age. To participate, you need to be over 60 years old and either have a mental health condition like anxiety or depression or be a healthy older adult without any mental health problems.

If you decide to join, you'll spend about an hour in a lab where you'll wear a special cap that records your brain activity while you look at various emotional pictures and shapes. The process is safe, and you should feel little to no discomfort. This study will help researchers understand the relationship between emotions and cognitive functions in older adults, which could lead to better support for those experiencing anxiety and depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • The healthy older adult group is composed of participants aged over 60 who do not exhibit mental health issues and demonstrate healthy aging from a cognitive perspective.
• • The older adults with mental health issues group will consist participants aged over 60 diagnosed with these conditions are included while still demonstrating healthy aging from a cognitive standpoint.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Participants currently taking medication known to affect brain activity and/or cognitive processing.
• • Participants with a history of alcohol or substance abuse.
• • Participants with a history of head injury or concussion that may impact brain activity and/or cognitive processing.
• • Participants with Neurological Disorders.
• • Participants with Edinburgh Handedness Inventory scores falling within the range of \[-40, 40\].