View clinical trials related to Cognitive Manifestations.
Filter by:The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of the helmet-less tackling training (the HuTT Technique) intervention to reduce head impacts in high school football players and to gain an understanding of the neurocognitive effects of repetitive head impacts in football. The investigators hypothesis is that the HuTT Technique will result in a reduced frequency and magnitude of helmet impacts than the control group measured by a head impact measurement system. Also, the investigators hypothesize the HuTT Technique group will demonstrate less changes in neurocognitive scores in the mid and post season evaluations compared to the control group. Head impacts will be measured using the SIM-G impact monitor made by Triax Technology. The SIM-G impact monitor measures the location, magnitude, and direction of every head impact in real time and is stored on a protected cloud-based system. The sensor is worn by each athlete in a headband or skullcap. Neurocognitive function will be measured using the Immediate Post-concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT) test. The test is used as a tool to determine baseline neurocognitive function and is used in comparison if an athlete was to be injured to ensure he/she returns to baseline. ImPACT measures memory (verbal, visual, working), processing speed and reaction time using a variety of tests. Subjects will be recruited from local high school football teams and will include freshman, sophomores and juniors. Since the study is expected to run for 2 years, seniors will not be eligible for participation. The target is to recruit at least 150 total subjects. All subjects will be equipped with a new helmet that is fitted to their head and a headband that will be used to hold the head impact telemetry sensor. In addition, all subjects will take an ImPACT test preseason, midseason and postseason. At the conclusion of each season, all of the impacts from the SIM-G impact monitor system and ImPACT test scores will be analyzed. The relevant outcome measures to be analyzed include head impact frequency, location, magnitude, symptom scores, memory, visual motor speed and reaction time composite scores. Statistical analysis will be used to determine if the HuTT intervention minimized head impacts and neurocognitive decline compared to the control group.
Carotid artery plaques are known to cause stroke. Cognitive impairment is an insidious but poorly understood problem in patients with carotid plaques. Cognitive function describes how people perform mental processes such as thinking, learning and problem solving. Asymptomatic carotid plaques may affect 1 million Veterans who may be at risk for cognitive impairment. In this study, the investigators will uncover the extent of cognitive impairment in Veterans with carotid stenosis who are currently labeled "asymptomatic". Programs to prevent or mitigate cognitive impairment will depend on identifying the mechanisms by which this occurs. The investigators will use sophisticated 3D imaging techniques developed by the group to measure the structure and composition of plaques, number of particles breaking off from them, blood levels of chemicals that could disrupt them, and blood flow restriction to the brain from them. This will help identify patients at risk for cognitive impairment who may benefit from preventative measures and improve selection of patients to decrease unnecessary surgical procedures.
Iron is essential for brain development and there is a well established association between iron deficiency in infants and poor neurological development. In Sweden, about 5% of newborns have low birth weight (< 2500 g). Due to small iron stores at birth and rapid postnatal growth, they have increased risk of iron deficiency and it is therefore important to prevent iron deficiency in this population. However, excessive iron supplementation can have adverse effects in infants such as growth impairment. In a randomized, controlled trial, we are investigating the effects of 0, 1 or 2 mg/kg/d of iron on brain myelination, cognitive development and growth in low birth weight infants.