The main objective of this study is to determine the neural correlates of apathy. These neural correlates will be compared with the neuropsychological tests At a later stage, the predictive value of the neural correlates will also be assessed.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Mental impairment disorders
- Dementia and amnestic conditions
Synonym
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
Functional MRI data will be analysed for areas of activation and functional
connectivity between these areas while Diffusion Weighted Imaging will be used
to study the structure of tracts. Metabolite abnormalities will be assessed
using a Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy scan.
Secondary outcome
n.a.
Background summary
With the general population getting increasingly older, there is a clear
societal need for a scientific focus on healthy ageing. One issue that deserves
more attention than it currently does, are the neuropsychiatric problems in
dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Apathy, which is among the most
common symptoms, has been shown to predict progression to dementia. Moreover,
the prevalence of apathy is known to increase with the severity of Alzheimer*s
Disease (AD). Nevertheless, the neural factors underlying apathy and its
relation with MCI and AD have yet to be elucidated.
Study objective
The main objective of this study is to determine the neural correlates of
apathy. These neural correlates will be compared with the neuropsychological
tests At a later stage, the predictive value of the neural correlates will also
be assessed.
Study design
The proposed study will examine the differences in the MRI data and
neuropsychological test results from MCI subjects with and without apathy. A
follow up is planned after three years to assess the subjects for progression
to dementia and to explore the predictive value of the collected MRI data.
Study burden and risks
This study entails minimum risks to the participants. Subjects will have to
visit the memory clinic for the neuropsychological assessment. The tests will
be completed along with the routine assessment in the memory clinic to reduce
the burden on the subjects. All subjects will also visit the Neuroimaging
Center (NiC, UMCG) for the MRI scan. The duration of the scan will be less than
75 minutes. Participants will be exposed to a field-strength of 3 Tesla and
scanner noise. Thus far, there is no evidence to suggest that exposing humans
to a magnetic field of this strength has a negative influence on health.
Subjects will be contacted once again after three years for the follow-up
assessment. There is no direct benefit to the subjects from the study. The
study will contribute valuable scientific knowledge to the fields of dementia,
AD, MCI, and apathy.
Ant. Deusinglaan 2
Groningen 9713 AW
NL
Ant. Deusinglaan 2
Groningen 9713 AW
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
All subjects:
- Age from 60yrs to 80yrs
- Willingness to cooperate and sign written informed consent;Normal Healthy Controls:
- MMSE scores between 28 and 30;aMCI with apathy
-Diagnosis of aMCI as assessed by clinician and neuropsychologist, according to Petersen 1999.
-Apathy diagnosed by apathy criteria (Robert 2009), assessed by clinician and neuropsychologist ;aMCI without apathy
-Diagnosis of aMCI as assessed by clinician and neuropsychologist, according to Petersen 1999
-Apathy excluded according to apathy criteria (Robert 2009), assessed by clinician and neuropsychologist
Exclusion criteria
All subjects:
-Medications which may affect the experimental outcomes
-Existence of psychiatric conditions with exception of depression or neurological conditions or problems with eyesight
-MR incompatible implants in the body (such as ear prosthesis, pacemakers, implanted heart valves etc). All subjects have to fill out a detailed questionnaire covering safety aspects of the research in relation to the 3 Tesla magnetic field and the MRI environment.
-Any risk of having metal particles in the eyes due to manual work without proper eye protections
-Tattoos containing red pigments that form a safety risk
-Claustrophobia
-The refusal to be informed of structural brain abnormalities that could be detected during the experiment ;Normal Heathy Controls:
-Abnormal result on any neuropsychological test
-Diagnosis of AD by NINCDS/ADRDA criteria (McKhann 1984) and DSM-IV criteria, assessed by clinician and neuropsychologist
aMCI with apathy, aMCI without apathy
-Diagnosis of AD by NINCDS/ADRDA criteria (McKhann 1984) and DSM-IV criteria, assessed by clinician and neuropsychologist
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 | NL42413.042.12 |