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87 active trials for Cognitive Decline

The Effects of Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation in MCI and Early AD

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique that is increasingly used for a growing number of research and clinical applications.Typically, this transient magnetic field is focally applied with a figure-of-eight coil that is carefully placed on the surface of the scalp over a targeted stimulation site. Patterned repetitive TMS (rTMS), such as theta burst stimulation (TBS) can produce long-lasting effects on neural activity and behavior beyond the stimulation period (Chou et al., 2015a; Fitzgerald et al., 2006). In general, high frequency (> 5 Hz) rTMS and its newer version, intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), facilitate cortical excitability, whereas low frequency (about 1 Hz) rTMS and continuous theta burst stimulation contribute to opposite effects (Pascual-Leone et al., 2000; Huang et al., 2005; Wassermann and Zimmermann, 2012).Careful manipulation of the parameters comprising these patterned rTMS pulse trains can induce neuroplastic changes that resemble either long-term potentiation (LTP) or depression (Chen et al., 1997; Pascual-Leone et al., 1994). Early studies targeting the motor cortex helped elucidate which rTMS parameters promote particular responses and their neurophysiological underpinnings (Klomjai et al., 2015). In recent years, rTMS has been closely investigated to evaluate its potential to modulate cognitive functions in Alzheimer'sdisease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). As compared to conventional excitatory rTMS protocols, iTBS leads to comparable effects with similar number of pulses but considerable shorter duration and lower intensity of stimulation (Bakker et al., 2015; Rossi, Hallett, Rossini, Pascual-Leone, & Safety, 2009). Recent literature also suggest that TBS has lower rates of reported adverse event (AE) compared to rTMS (Najib & Horvath, 2014). Therefore, iTBS is assumed to modulate cognitive function in people with cognitive impairments.

Start: October 2020
Double-task Exercise in Older Adults at Risk of Cognitive Decline

Cerebral small vessel disease is a frequent cause of cognitive disability among older adults (OAs) in Mexico that imposes significant burden on the health system and OAs' families. Programs to prevent or delay OAs' cognitive decline are scarce. Methods and analysis: A double-blind randomized clinical trial will be conducted. The study will aim to evaluate two 24-week double-task (aerobic and cognitive) square-stepping exercise programs for OAs at risk of cognitive decline-one program with and another without caregiver participation-and to compare these with an aerobic-balance-stretching exercise program (control group). 255 OAs (85 per group) affiliated with the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) between 60 and 65 years of age with self-reported cognitive concerns will participate. They will be stratified by education level and randomly allocated to the groups. The intervention will last 24 weeks, and the effect of each program will be evaluated 12, 24, and 52 weeks after the intervention. Participants' demographic and clinical characteristics will be collected at baseline. The outcomes will include: (i) general cognitive function; (ii) specific cognitive functions; (iii) dual-task gait; (iv) blood pressure; (v) carotid intima-media thickness; (vi) carotid arterial compliance; (vii) OAs' health-related quality of life; and (viii) caregiver burden. We will estimate differences in outcomes between each intervention group and the control group at baseline and follow-up evaluations. We will assess differences-in-differences (D-in-D) treatment effects using a D-in-D estimator. If we identify statistically significant differences in participants' baseline characteristics between the groups, we will adjust the D-in-D estimators by these covariates using generalized linear regression models. Ethics and dissemination: The study was approved by the IMSS Ethics and Research Committee (registration number 2018-785-095). All participants will sign a consent form prior to their participation. The study results will be disseminated to IMSS authorities, healthcare providers and the research community.

Start: February 2021
GnRH Therapy on Cognition in Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder; with the increasing life expectancy, about 80% of DS adults reach age 65 years old. Early Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of death within this population. DS individuals already show AD neuropathology by the age of 30, while it becomes clinically recognized in their late forties. DS subjects also exhibit olfaction defects in adulthood. To date, there is no treatment available for the cognitive or olfactory defects in DS. The development of an effective treatment targeting cognitive dysfunction in DS adolescents/adults would be warranted. GnRH, a decapeptide secreted by hypothalamic neurons is the pilot light of reproduction in all mammals. Pulsatile GnRH acts on the gonadotrophs via the GnRH receptor (GNRHR) in the pituitary gland to stimulate LH and FSH, which themselves will act on the gonads to produce gametes and steroids. However, GNRHR are also expressed in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, habenula, olfactory structures, and adrenal gland, suggesting that GnRH may have a role beyond reproduction. Recently, GnRH has been shown to be involved in the process of ageing and lifespan control. Notably, in murine models, GnRH acts as an anti-ageing factor, independent of sex hormones. While ageing is characterized by hypothalamic inflammation and diminished neurogenesis, particularly in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus, GnRH was able to promote adult neurogenesis. The regulation of GnRH secretion is complex and involves hormonal, neuronal input, and environmental factors. Prévot et al. recently explored cognition within the Ts65Dn model and showed an age-dependent loss of the ability to recognize new objects. Also, these mice exhibit defects in olfaction. Given the role of GnRH in anti-aging mice model, pulsatile GnRH or continuous GnRH infusion (leading to desensitization of the GNRHR) were given to the Ts65Dn mice for two weeks. Amazingly, pulsatile but not continuous GnRH therapy was able to recover cognitive and olfaction defects.

Start: August 2020
Identification of Epigenetic Risk Factors for Ischemic Complication During the TAVR Procedure in the Elderly

Over the past ten years, the number of endovascular procedures has increased by 5% per year in Europe with the development of interventional cardiology, such as percutaneous coronary angioplasty, aortic valve replacements (TAVR), and vascular endoprosthesis. The neurological lesions detected on cerebral MRI caused by these endovascular procedures are frequent with an incidence of about 30-70%. These events, although subclinical, have an impact on morbidity and mortality and especially on long-term cognitive decline. TAVR is the reference treatment for symptomatic elderly patients with stenosis of the aortic valve, considered by a multidisciplinary "Heart Team" as at high surgical risk due to comorbidities, age and high perioperative risk scores ( Euroscore 2 and STS scores). Despite the net clinical benefit, an increase of silent neurological events was detected on post-procedural cerebral MRI with an incidence of approximately 70%. The epigenetic involvement in the occurrence of ischemic cerebral lesions is still largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, can be associated with aging processes and modulate the risk of developing cerebrovascular pathologies. They are likely to provide new biomarkers that predict the risk of brain damage. Hypomethylation of leukocyte DNA is directly related to atherosclerosis in humans. This hypomethylation of DNA would represent an easily measurable marker reflecting the presence and progression of atherosclerosis. Because atherosclerotic lesions often precede the clinical manifestation of ischemic cardiovascular disease, such as ischemic heart disease and stroke, DNA hypomethylation could be used to identify individuals at risk for cerebrovascular events. The investigator hypothesize that hypomethylation of leukocyte DNA can predict the risk of developing new ischemic brain lesions especially after a TAVI procedure.

Start: March 2017
Comparison of Three Motor-cognitive Training Programs

Understanding how to delay age-related physical and mental declines is an issue for aging research. It has been shown that isolated aerobic, coordination and cognitive training improve brain functions and cognitive performances. Moreover, the combination of them leads to greater effects. Different combination modalities are possible: training programs demanding cognitive resources within the activity performed in a natural environment like Nordic Walking (or Tai chi, Dance...); or as in a conceptually-grounded circuit training where training components are systematically combined and their intensity controlled. The aim of this study is to compare three training programs: a Nordic walking one (NW), and two conceptual grounded, circuits training (CT-c; CT-fit). CT-c implemented by dual-task (DT) exercises, while CT-fit characterized by cognitive charge embodied in the movements through the use of technology. An improvement in physical, motor, and cognitive functions is expected by all three groups. However, our primary hypothesis is that the CT-fit will impact executive functions more. 45 healthy independent living community dwellers participants aged 65 to 80 will be recruited. Participants will be included after a general medical examination (geriatric screening and cycle-ergometer maximal effort test). The main exclusion criteria are signs of cognitive impairment, (MMSE <26/30), and physical impairments. Participants will be randomly divided into the 3 groups (NW, CT-c, CT-fit): The training program will last 8 weeks, 1 hour 3 times a week. Pre and post-tests will include cognitive assessment (MoCA; TMT; Stroop task, Happy Neuron™ working memory test, Rey Complex Figure copy task and dual-task capacities through the DT-OTMT); motor fitness assessment (Bipedal upright standing, Unipedal balance test, walking speed and size of the base of support, Timed Up & Go, Chair sit and reach test and Four square stepping test) and physical assessment (10 m incremental shuttle walking test, maximal handgrip force, 30s chair rise stand). Improving cognitive functions by adding new technology embodied in a systematically combined training (exergame), would result to be the best solution to optimize training for aging people.

Start: October 2020
Anxiety Related to the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or Related Diseases

Improving the diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders is a major public health challenge. This diagnosis occurs too late in the majority of cases, or is even sometimes non-existent for some despite the presence of clinical signs and symptoms. However, the etiological diagnosis of a TNC is crucial for the patient and his family to understand the most appropriate decisions for the future, to plan the organization of his life as long as he is able to do so, to access the clinical research, to promote dialogue between patients and their caregivers. On the contrary, a late diagnosis may be responsible for the fact that the patient and his / her family are less able to benefit from certain psychosocial interventions, services and treatments. But the diagnostic announcement is retained. One of the negative and dreaded effects of such an announcement is the negative psychological impact. Some studies show that the diagnostic announcement would worsen the level of anxiety or depressed mood and the risk of social isolation. On the other hand, other studies show that symptoms such as anxiety, psychic distress and depression remain stable, or even decrease slightly after the announcement of the diagnosis, in patients and their relatives. However, the literature is questionable because the majority of the studies are retrospective, mono-centric, and the patient numbers are low. While the first reactions of patients may be negative after the announcement, some report resignation experiences, or form of relief, because they have finally found a clinical explanation for the symptoms encountered. While doubt or diagnostic uncertainty, as well as the feeling of not knowing the truth, seem to have a more damaging psychological impact on the patient and those around him, increasing anxiety and confusion. The primary objective is to study if the level of anxiety 2 months after the announcement of the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related disease is not superior to the level of anxiety before the announcement with patient / caregiver. This present study aim to explore the feasibility with 14 patients.

Start: September 2020