Clinical Research Directory

Neurocognitive Effects of Non-Invasive Near-Infrared Light Stimulation

Inattentiveness and impulsivity in healthy adults and individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diminish these individuals' quality of life. Cortical hypometabolism has been hypothesized to contribute to inattentiveness in ADHD. Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is a safe and non-invasive modality for activation of the prefrontal cortex. tPBM in healthy adults has been shown to augment brain oxygenation, cognition, and mood. The cognition-enhancing effect of tPBM on sustained attention in adults with ADHD remains unstudied. The investigators will evaluate whether tPBM administration to adults with and without ADHD can improve their attention. Each participant will be screened for eighteen criteria based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV, text revised), using the validated instrument Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1). Blinded participants will be randomized into (I) Active-tPBM or (II) Sham-tPBM groups. After undergoing an 8-minute administration of Sham or 1064 nm tPBM to the lateral and medial right prefrontal cortex, each participant will complete a 14-minute, computer-based Conner's continuous performance task-3 (CPT-3). The investigators will examine whether adults with and without ADHD who receive Active-tPBM improve in measures of inattention, impulsivity, sustained attention, or vigilance compared to the Sham-tPBM group. Cognitive assessments of attention like the CPT-3 may evaluate the efficacy of tPBM to increase cortical metabolism in healthy adults and individuals with conditions like ADHD. The investigators anticipate their investigation will be a starting point for more sophisticated studies that focus on the implications of tPBM on cognition.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Attentional-Control Training in Sickle Cell Disease

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) exhibit significantly reduced cognitive functioning (often difficulties with attention) compared to peers and siblings without SCD. EndeavorRx (Akili Interactive Labs: Boston, MA) is an FDA-approved home-based, electronic attentional-control training program designed to treat attention problems in youth. Users access EndeavorRx on a tablet device for 25-30 minutes each day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. The program involves training in a game-like environment that repeatedly challenges attentional-control abilities and adapts to user performance, becoming more difficult over time as performance improves. This pilot study is examining the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of EndeavorRx in a sample of 20 children with SCD ages 8-16 who are being treated with chronic blood transfusion therapy.

Brain Activity Associated With Inhibition of Action in Attention-deficit

Inhibitory control allows individuals to suppress unwanted actions and to resist irrelevant stimuli. It is thought to be a core deficit in Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aims at evaluating this deficit in adults with ADHD. Executive and inhibitory capacities, as well as the neural mechanisms underlying inhibitory control, will be assessed in adults with ADHD and two control groups of participants.

Computerized Training of Attention and Working Memory in Post COVID-19 Patients With Cognitive Complaints

Many post COVID-19 patients suffer from cognitive deficits, even after 1 year after hospitalization. These complaints have a huge impact on psychological well-being and quality of life. In rehabilitation programs in the Netherlands, most interventions are based on physical therapy or learning how to cope with fatigue and low levels of energy. In former studies computerized training of cognition in other populations has been proven to be effective. Knowledge on the effect of computerized training on attention and working memory in patients suffering from COVID-19 is urgently needed, and may contribute to more evidence-based rehabilitation programs for these patients. Therefore the effectiveness of computerized training of attention and working memory in post COVID-19 patients with cognitive complaints will be studied in this study.