Study the structural and functional brain changes associated with aging in frontal-striatal circuit, and the association between dopamine-related genes and age-related changes in the brain.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
Synonym
Health condition
gezonde veroudering
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Brainactivity, as measured with functional MRI, expressed in percent signal
change (BOLD).
Secondary outcome
These include parameters associated with task performance (reaction time,
accuracy), structural MRI (number of white matter fibres between areas,
white-matter integrity, brain volume), and genetic information (genotype).
Background summary
As individuals age, many aspects of information processing become less
efficient, including speed of processing, working memory capacity, and
inhibitory control. These functions are associated with frontal-striatal
circuits. These circuits consist of function-dependent frontal areas as well as
the basal ganglia, with the striatum as the main input region of cortical (and
subcortical) inputs. Previous studies have shown increased recruitment of
contralateral frontal regions with aging, but it is unclear how this affects
the functionality of the frontal-striatal circuits in general, and the striatum
in particular.
There are a number of factors which appear to play a role in the functional
decline associated with aging, although the precise neurobiological mechanisms
are still unclear. An important factor seems to be a reduction in dopamine
receptors in both the frontal cortex and the striatum. Consequently,
individuals with gene-variants associated with poor dopamine functioning may
show greater decline with aging.
Study objective
Study the structural and functional brain changes associated with aging in
frontal-striatal circuit, and the association between dopamine-related genes
and age-related changes in the brain.
Study design
A cross-sectional study. The study consists of four parts, being
questionnaires and interviews, performing a computer task, the MRI-scan and the
venapuncture.
Study burden and risks
Subjects will undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan session of
approximately 60 minutes. MRI is a non-invasive technique, so there is no need
for special preparation for the subject. There are no known risks associated
with the MRI acquisition and the data are solely used for research purposes.
However, structural cerebral pathology may be noticed. If medical treatment is
indicated, the subject will be notified.
Blood samples will be taken for genetic analysis. On request, the skin can be
locally anesthetized prior to the venapuncture. Since the amount (40 cc) and
number of blood samples is limited, the burden for participating subjects is
expected negligible.
There are no direct benefits for participants, but their participation will
help to broaden our knowledge of aging in general.
Heidelberglaan 100
3584 CX Utrecht
NL
Heidelberglaan 100
3584 CX Utrecht
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
age 30-70
right-handed
Exclusion criteria
neurological or psychiatric illness
medication use
current smoker
ferrous objects in or around the body (e.g. braces, glasses, metal fragments)
Design
Recruitment
Followed up by the following (possibly more current) registration
No registrations found.
Other (possibly less up-to-date) registrations in this register
No registrations found.
In other registers
| Register | ID |
|---|---|
| CCMO | NL36943.041.11 |