Modulating the Locus Coeruleus Function

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on specific brain regions involved in memory and attention processes. tVNS is a non-invasive and non-pharmacological technique known for targeting the locus coeruleus, a small subcortical nucleus in the brain thought to be involved in the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease. This nucleus also plays a role in numerous cognitive functions, comprising memory and attention.

Clinical Trial 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 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. ;

Study Design

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Healthy Aging

Clinical Trial Details

NCT number	NCT04877782
Study type	Observational
Source	Maastricht University Medical Center
Contact
Status	Completed
Phase
Start date	January 14, 2021
Completion date	October 5, 2023

View Details

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