Clinical Research Directory

Music Improvisation Training on Cognitive Function in Older Adults

This project will study the effects and mechanisms of a music improvisation training intervention on self-regulation of older adults with and without MCI. The investigator's overall hypothesis is that improvisation training will lead to improvements in self-regulation, compared to controls, and that improvisation training will be associated with specific changes in prefrontal brain networks and ultimately cognitive engagement.

Aging Well Through Interactions and Scientific Education - Action Plan (AgeWISE-AP)

The purpose of this study is to learn about the effects of AgeWISE-Action Plan (AgeWISE-AP), a 20-week program designed to provide education and individualized planning with a goal of improving brain health.

The Revitalize Study in Older Adults at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

The goal of this multi-site double blinded randomized sham-controlled Phase II clinical trial is to test a novel, relatively low cost, low risk, and potentially high impact therapeutic intervention in older adults who are at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. The intervention involves transcranial and intranasal delivery of near infrared (NIR) light via light emitting diodes, aka photobiomodulation (PBM). The overall hypothesis, based on animal and pilot studies, is that exposure to NIR stimulation will have beneficial effects on brain health via influence on mitochondrial function as measured by changes in 31Phosphorous (31P) MRS-based markers of ATP, neural network changes in functional connectivity (rs-fMRI), and improved cognitive performance. To test this hypothesis, 168 older adults with subjective cognitive complaints, and a first-degree family history of Alzheimer's disease will be randomized to sham or real treatment groups. Neuroimaging and cognitive outcome measures will be obtained, before and after a 12-week intervention involving transcranial and intranasal NIR-PBM. The intervention protocol will involve "lab" and "home" sessions, and a 3 month post-intervention follow-up. This trial will determine: 1) whether NIR stimulation, relative to sham, improves performance on memory and executive tasks sensitive to hippocampal and frontal brain function in older adults with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease; 2) whether NIR stimulation, relative to sham, enhances brain function and connectivity measured by changes in MRS phosphorous ATP and resting state functional connectivity; and 3) how differences in demographic, neuroimaging, and Alzheimer-related risk factors influence the brain response to NIR stimulation versus sham in older adults with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease. Results will provide key insights into whether this novel NIR intervention can enhance cognition in older adults with increased risk for Alzheimer's disease and will provide the necessary data for a future Phase III randomized clinical trial.

Anti-inflammatory Probiotics in Cognitive Functioning

The goal of this study is to explore the potential impact of an anti-inflammatory probiotic mixture of psychobiotics including Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 and Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52 on cognitive functions in older adults following either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory diets. According to recent findings, even short-term exposure to foods with pro- or anti-inflammatory properties may lead to corresponding negative or beneficial effects on cognitive functioning . The main questions this study aims to answer are: * How important is the initial dietary pattern for observing possible beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation? (Diet as a potential moderator) * How important is the initial state of the gut microbiota for observing possible beneficial effects of probiotic supplementation? (Microbiota as a potential moderator) * Is it possible to improve or slow down the decline in cognitive functions associated with aging with probiotic supplementation? * Can probiotic supplementation counteract the negative effects of pro-inflammatory dietary patterns? The investigators will compare probiotic to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no active ingredients) to determine whether probiotic is effective in enhancing cognitive function. Participants: * Take a probiotic or placebo capsule daily for 3 months * Undergo a crossover after 3 months - those who initially took probiotics will switch to the placebo, and vice versa * Visit SWPS University for screening (T0), baseline assessments before beginning supplementation (T1), and follow-up assessments at 3 months (T2) and 6 months (T3). The T2 visit occurs just before the crossover. * Complete neuropsychological testing, questionnaires, and EEG recordings during the T1, T2, and T3 visits. * Provide stool samples for gut microbiota analysis at the T1, T2, and T3 visits. * Maintain their usual dietary habits throughout the study.

Mechanical and Sensorial Training in the Olfactive Rehabilitation of Patients With Total Laryngectomy

To assess the efficacy of two olfactory rehabilitation protocols (Nasal Airflow-Inducing Maneuver (NAIM) with or without ol-factory training) on olfactory function (sniffing stick test) and quality of life (questionnaire Self-MOQ and EORTC QLQ-H\&N35) in patients with total laryngectomy.

Biobank and Brain Health in Bordeaux.

B cube is a new generation cohort to study the determinants and natural history of brain aging, using molecular epidemiology, in a representative sample (N=2000) of the general population from the age of 55 (the approximate age of onset of the first cognitive disorders and a target population particularly receptive to prevention messages). Special interest will be given to nutrition, a promising environmental exposure for prevention.

Promoting Goals-of-Care Discussions for Patients With Memory Problems and Their Caregivers

The goal of this clinical trial is to improve communication among clinicians, patients with memory problems, and their family members. We are testing a way to help clinicians have better conversations to address patients' goals for their healthcare. To do this, we created a simple, short guide called the "Jumpstart Guide." The goal of this research study is to show that using this kind of guide is possible and can be helpful for patients and their families. Patients' clinicians may receive a Jumpstart Guide before the patient's clinic visit. Researchers will compare patients whose clinician received a Jumpstart Guide to patients whose clinician did not receive a guide to see if more patients in the Jumpstart Guide group had conversations about the patient's goals for their healthcare. Patients and their family members will also be asked to complete surveys after the visit with their clinician.

Neuropsychological Evaluation in Intellectual Disability (ENDI)

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the acceptability ofpatients with trisomy 21 (T21) to perform the full battery of ENDI neurospychological tests and each of the subsets. In this study, three types of population will be recruted : normotypic volunteers, patients with Intellectual Disability and patients T21carriers. This study is separated into 2 phases : * A the preliminary phase : this phase will be used to evaluate subtest design, ergonomics and understanding of instructions, and to identify any malfunctions. The observations gathered will enable the principal investigator to refine the digital design of the battery in collaboration with the publishing company. In this phase, normotypical volunteers and patients with intellectual disabilities will be recruted to perform ENDI test battery. * A main phase : this phase will enable to answer to the main objective. in this phase, patients with Trisomy 21 aged between 25 and 65 will be recruted to perform ENDI test battery.

Physical and Cognitive Aging Study in Older Adults

Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing older adult group in the United States, disproportionally increasing the risk of an Alzheimer's disease and related dementias diagnosis. Efforts to reduce this risk and mitigate the related cognitive/physical declines are critical. The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of enrolling older adults into an aging trajectory cohort, while generating preliminary data on associations of physical and cognitive aging trajectories. Our secondary objective is to generate preliminary data on the association of standard measures of physical activity and physical function with cognitive status. This study fits within our longitudinal research goal to reduce dementia incidence by understanding the mechanisms that drive the cognitive-physical aging trajectory.