Clinical Research Directory

Modulating Neurocognitive Processes of Learning to Trust and Distrust in Aging

Much of human interaction is based on trust. Aging has been associated with deficits in trust-related decision making, likely further exacerbated in age-associated neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer's disease/AD), possibly underlying the dramatically growing public health problem of elder fraud. Optimal trust-related decision making and avoiding exploitation require the ability to learn about the trustworthiness of social partners across multiple interactions, but the role that learning plays in determining age deficits in trust decisions is currently unknown. Aim: Probe the malleability of the underlying neurocircuitry of trust-learning deficits in aging. This study will utilize real-time fMRI neurofeedback to train older adults in brain activity up-regulation toward enhanced trust-related learning in aging and confirm critical mechanisms of experience-dependent social decisions in aging. Grant R01AG072658 Aim 3: Test the malleability of trust-learning neurocircuitry toward optimized trust-related decision making in aging.

Effects of Personalized Digital Reminiscence Therapy on Patients With Neurocognitive Disorders

This study aims to observe the effects of daily personalized digital reminiscence sessions, conducted with the help of a digital conversational agent, and to determine whether these sessions lead to improvements in symptoms such as apathy and depression. The researchers therefore seek to observe whether this daily use can improve certain aspects of well-being, such as motivation, mood, sleep quality, quality of life, and engagement with the tool. The study also aims to assess whether simple reminders delivered via the application are sufficient to encourage regular use without external assistance. Participants will: * Use the reminiscence app for 25 days for 10-15 minutes. * Have a primary caregiver help personalize the app by sharing family memories, other relatives may optionally contribute in a private group. * Complete brief questionnaires at the start and during follow-up routine visits (for example, apathy and depression scales, sleep, and quality of life).

Fisetin in Mild Alzheimer's Disease

This pilot study will evaluate the safety and tolerability of the natural health product, fisetin, in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease dementia.