Imaging of Cognition, Learning, and Memory in Aging
Completed
Conditions studied: Alzheimer's Disease
In brief
This investigation is designed to study how the brain functions when it is performing explicit memory tasks, and furthermore how the brain systems supporting performance on these tests change as a function of aging. Implicit memory tasks may be distinguished from explicit memory tests in that explicit memory characterizes the directed or intentional recollection of previously learned information or events. In contrast, implicit (or nonconscious) memory is expressed in the facilitation of performance on some task or judgment on a stimulus owing to a prior presentation of that stimulus, without any necessary conscious awareness of the prior presentation. The investigators propose to use functional Magnetic resonance Imaging (fMRI) to measure brain activity during the performance of carefully designed explicit memory tasks. Comparison of brain activity during the different test conditions will provide information about the brain areas that are involved in mediating specific aspects of performance. Both older and younger individuals will be tested in order to understand age related changes in the brain activity. In order to examine the interactions between participants' differential levels of amyloid burden and their performance on cognitive tasks and fMRI neural activation, the investigators also propose PET imaging of older participants.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT01297114
- Run by
- Yaakov Stern
- People needed
- 294
- Starts
- 2011-03-01
- Expected to finish
- 2017-10-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2017-11-01
Who can join
Age: 20 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Aged 20-30 or 60-70
- Residing near Columbia University Medical Center
- Must be willing and able to participate
You may not qualify if…
- Have a contraindication to PET (e.g, metallic implants, pacemaker, claustrophobia, or cannot lie flat for one hour)
- Pregnancy
- Lactating Women
- Current, past, or anticipated exposure to radiation
- Significant active physical illness
Where it is running
- Columbia University Medical Center — New York, New York, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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