Modulating the Locus Coeruleus Function

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

This study is an observational MRI study with a pseudo-randomized single blind cross-over design. The population consists of 30 healthy human volunteers from 60 to 80 years old. These healthy older individuals will be recruited from the community. After being informed about the study protocol and th...

This study is an observational MRI study with a pseudo-randomized single blind cross-over design. The population consists of 30 healthy human volunteers from 60 to 80 years old. These healthy older individuals will be recruited from the community. After being informed about the study protocol and the potential risks, subjects will be given 1 week to consider their participation. All participants giving written informed consent will be included in the study. The first session will consist in neuropsychological assessments and a task practice session in the dummy scanner in order to get familiar with the environment. Participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be included for the next sessions. The second and third sessions are MRI scanning sessions including transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation. Both the placebo and experimental stimulation conditions will be randomized in a single-blind manner across scanning sessions. About 7 to 10 weeks after each scanning session and at least 4 days previous to the next MRI session, participant will be asked to fill in an online memory test for assessing potential outlasting effects of the stimulation technique.

Tracking Information