View clinical trials related to Cognitive Function.
Filter by:The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that aerobic exercise leads improved cognitive function accompanied by increases in gray matter density and changes in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) patterns of task-related activation.
To determine the effect of Thai traditional music on cognitive function, psychological health and quality of sleep among Thai older individuals with dementia.
Observation studies documented a correlation between plasma concentrations of homocysteine and cognitive decline with age. The study hypothesis was that high doses of B-vitamins (as effective homocysteine lowering treatment) can improve cognitive function in elderly people.
DHA has previously been shown to increase regional cerebral blood flow response to tactile stimulation in aged monkeys; modulation of cerebral blood flow in humans has yet to be demonstrated. Given that the brain relies on a constant supply of blood-borne metabolic substrates (e.g. glucose, oxygen), increasing regional cerebral blood flow may also have an impact on cognitive function. The current study aims to investigate the effects of two doses of DHA-rich fish oil on task-related cerebral hemodynamic response and cognitive performance in healthy adults.
To date, only a small handful of studies have assessed the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on cognitive function in healthy adults. The results from these studies are mixed, and have differed greatly in terms of methodology as regards sample size, treatment formulation and duration of the intervention. In order to address these issues, the present study aims to assess the effects of two different formulations of fish oil in parallel, and at doses consistent with the current recommended daily intake of oily fish, across a range of cognitive domains. The aim of the present investigation is therefore to specifically evaluate the effects of 12 weeks supplementation of DHA-rich fish oil and EPA-rich fish oil dietary supplements on cognitive function in healthy young adults maintaining a regular diet containing oily fish not more than once a week. Self-report mood assessments will form the secondary part of this investigation.
The objective of this study is to test the effects of breakfast on cognitive processing ability in children.
Although the beneficial effects of caffeine on cognition and mood have been reported in a number of studies, relatively few studies have looked at the effects of caffeine in combination with other phytonutrients despite the fact that caffeine is seldom consumed in isolation. L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino-acid found in tea, and has been used historically as a relaxing agent (Haskell et al., 2008). Few have assessed the impact of l-theanine on cognition, but of those that have, the most interesting results were obtained when l-theanine was assessed in combination with caffeine (Haskell et al., 2008). It remains unclear what is underlying the reported effects. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is an emerging neuroimaging technology that is capable of determining changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) by measuring the optical properties of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood (Bunce et al., 2006). No study to date has used NIRS to assess cerebral blood flow following treatment with either caffeine, l-theanine or a combination of both. It is anticipated that the proposed study will provide some insight into the mechanism of the previously observed effects both alone and in combination. A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, balanced crossover design study will assess the effects of 75mg caffeine, 50mg l-theanine and a 75mg caffeine/50mg l-theanine combination in 24 young healthy adults (18-35). Cognitive and mood assessments will take place at baseline and at 30 minutes following treatment whilst cerebral haemodynamics are measured via the technique of NIRS.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin (sometimes referred to as tea flavonoids) in green tea extract. A review by Nagle et al (2006) identifies that a large amount of research indicates EGCG (amongst other catechins) is responsible for most of the potential health benefits associated with green tea. EGCG is brain permeable (Nakagawa & Miyazawa, 1997), and it is considered to have neuroprotective and neurorescue effects including modulation of cell survival and cell cycle genes (Levites et al 2002). Although there have been several human studies looking at the bioavailability of EGCG when administered in varying doses, there have been no studies that have specifically investigated the cognitive effects of this catechin in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the cerebral blood flow (using Near Infrared Spectroscopy), cerebro-electrical activity (EEG) and behavioural effects of EGCG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover study will assess the effects of 135 mg and 270 mg pure EGCG in 24 healthy, young adults (18-35). Prior to the first active study day participants will attend a screening/training visit where relevant exclusion criteria will be assessed including any food sensitivities. They will also complete a caffeine consumption questionnaire in order to control for potential caffeine withdrawal effects as a result of restrictions of the study.
The hypotheses of this study are: 1. Compared to children who received a placebo, children who received iron or zinc or iron and zinc combined will perform better on cognitive tests and will have better growth status at ages 8 to 10 years. 2. Compared to children who received iron or zinc alone, children who received iron and zinc combined will perform differently on cognitive tests and will have different growth status at 8 ages 8 to 10 years 3. Compared to children who had poorer iron and zinc status or poorer growth status before and after supplementation during infancy, children who had better iron and zinc status or better growth status before and after supplementation during infancy will perform better on cognitive tests and will have better growth status at ages 8 to 10 years. 4. Compared to children who have lower iron and zinc status, poorer growth status, or low animal source intake at ages 8 to 10 years, children who have higher iron and zinc status, better growth status, or high animal source intake at ages 8 to 10 years will perform better on cognitive tests and will have better growth status.
In this between-subject randomized controlled trial the investigators will test the impact of three novel structured financial incentives: atomistic, altruistic and team-based. These incentive schemes will be used to motivate one month of daily use of software designed to improve cognitive function (including memory, reaction times, attention and executive function) among the elderly. The 400 participants will be members of retirement communities in Pennsylvania. Three outcomes will be monitored and analyzed: activities completed using the software (primary), performance on the activities, and changes in cognitive functioning. This study is designed to be a pilot study. The investigators will have 90% power to find a mean daily difference of 4 activities completed in the control group versus 7 activities completed in the incentive groups assuming a standard deviation of 3.5 and an alpha of 0.017 (the bonferroni corrected significance level to account for multiple comparisons). In addition during a three month "follow-up period" all participants will have continued access to the software, however, no incentives will be provided for use. This period will be used to assess the impact of the initial incentives on long run use after financial incentives have ceased.