View clinical trials related to Neuron Degeneration.
Filter by:Scientific background and rationale: Motor sequence learning (MSL) is composed of three phases: initial acquisition or rapid learning occurs during the first practice session, characterized by a rapid increase in motor performance; consolidation comes next, in the following hours, with a stabilization or even an increase in performance without additional practice; finally, slow learning allows long-term memorization of the skills acquired after several practice sessions. Motor sequence learning is an essential ability at any age but is altered with aging. Furthermore, the repetition of movements required for MSL may be tiring for the most vulnerable individuals. There is thus a need to develop the use of alternative and effective methods of MSL in the elderly. Mental practice (MP) based on motor imagery (MI) and anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) are such innovative methods that have shown a positive impact on MSL in older adults. On the one hand, motor imagery training relates to mentally practicing movements without actual execution. This method has been shown to advantageously complement or even replace physical practice. Nevertheless, for fine and gross motor skills, the association MP/physical practice (PP) has been little studied in healthy elderly subjects. On the other hand, tDCS is a safe and noninvasive brain stimulation method used to modulate cortical excitability and enhance neuroplasticity. It has been shown that an anodal stimulation of the primary motor cortex (M1) immediately after the acquisition of a sequence of finger movements (manual task) enhanced consolidation in healthy elderly people. These effects have, however, never been tested for more ecological sequential tasks involving the whole body (body task). Aim: The main aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a-tDCS on the consolidation of complex manual and body tasks, after MP alone, PP alone, and MP + PP in older adults. A secondary aim is to test the effects of MP alone, PP alone and MP + PP in the acquisition of these complex manual and body tasks, in older adults. A third aim is to test the evolution of electroencephalographic (EEG) activity between rest and motor imagery of these tasks, and, for motor imagery, before and after training.
Research regarding the effects of anesthesia on the central nervous system remain controversial with some studies suggesting a neurotoxic effect and others indicating a neuroprotective effect. In recent years numerous neuronal proteins have been found to be useful tools for diagnosis and prognosis of cerebral tissue damage. Among these neuronal proteins are the following markers: Neuron Specific Enolase (NSE), Tau protein, Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP), Ubiquitin Carboxy-Hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1). BIS is a non-invasive brain monitoring technology which monitors the depth of anesthesia. In this randomized clinical trial, we aim to examine the effect of anesthetic method (General anesthesia and neuroaxial anesthesia) on neuronal damage as measured by NSE serum levels. One hundred and forty patients aged 18 and above undergoing Transurethral resection of the prostate, Trans Urethral Resection of the Bladder Tumor, Tension Free Vaginal Tap , Trans Obturator Tension Free Vaginal Tap and pelvic floor repair surgeries will be enrolled in the study. Patients will randomly be assigned to undergo the study either under general anesthesia or with neuroaxial anesthesia. Participants will be monitored using the BIS monitor, to measure the depth of anesthesia. Additionally, 9 cc of venous blood be collected from each participant in the surgery room prior to anesthesia induction, throughout anesthesia and one hour following surgery in the PACU in order to assess NSE levels.