The aim of this study is to assess the memory system in MCI and mild dementia via errorless learning and semantic priming.
ID
Source
Brief title
Condition
- Other condition
- Structural brain disorders
Synonym
Health condition
cognitieve stoornis in het kader van neurodegeneratie
Research involving
Sponsors and support
Intervention
Outcome measures
Primary outcome
EL: The effect of error frequency on memory performance in amnestic MCI and MD
by using a novel errorless learning task in which the occurrence of errors is
controlled compared to previous work.
SP: To assess lexical access and executive function in semantic priming in
amnestic MCI and MD by means of a picture-word verification task.
Secondary outcome
EL: To compare the cognitive profile to the outcome on the EL and TEL condition.
SP: To assess brain atrophy of frontal and temporal brain areas (using MRI) as
well as structural connectivity of pathways connecting these regions (using
DWI) in MCI and MD.
Background summary
Pre-stages of dementia, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild
dementia (MD), are essential time windows to investigate coping strategies and
to understand why some people develop a more severe form of dementia, while
others age healthily. In this study, we aim to address the memory system via
errorless learning (EL) and semantic priming (SP). EL is a form of learning, in
which the occurrence of errors is diminished in the acquisition phase. Yet,
previous work is limited by not controlling for the occurrence of errors in the
counter-condition, the trial and error/errorful learning condition (TEL). In
the proposed study, we control for this, which will help us to understand the
underlying mechanism of EL and to develop other learning strategies in
dementia. While most MCI and MD patients report problems in memory, some others
also show a decline in language. By means of a semantic priming paradigm, in
which related items need to be inhibited, and in combination with magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) as well as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), we will
investigate how the observed problems in language are related to difficulties
in lexical access (part of the memory system) and executive function, resulting
from a decline in pathways connecting the brain networks associated with these
processes.
Study objective
The aim of this study is to assess the memory system in MCI and mild dementia
via errorless learning and semantic priming.
Study design
Observational study with a cross-sectional design. Pending on whether inclusion
and exclusion criteria are met, patients* behavioural measures will be compared
as part of the EL investigation or in SP patient*s behavioural and structural
brain measures will be compared to that of matched controls.
Study burden and risks
The currently proposed paradigms and MRI procedure are of negligible risk and
minimal burden. Volunteers can withdraw from the study at any given time and
there are no direct benefits for the participants. The novel insights will
broaden our understanding of the memory system in MCI and MD and will aid in
developing therapeutic strategies.
Montessorilaan 3
Nijmegen 6525HR
NL
Montessorilaan 3
Nijmegen 6525HR
NL
Listed location countries
Age
Inclusion criteria
between 50-85 years of age
MCI (amnestic or multi-domain, CDR=0.5) or mild dementia (CDR=1)
native Dutch speaker
capable of giving informed consent
Exclusion criteria
MCI due to vascular diseases
primary progressive aphasia
use of psychotropic medication or recreational drugs
serious head trauma or brain surgery
neurological or psychiatric disorders (other than MCI)
claustrophobia (for MRI-study)
large or ferromagnetic metal parts in the head (except for a dental wire; for MRI-study)
implanted cardiac pacemaker or neurostimulator (for MRI-study)
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 | NL66434.091.18 |