Neurocognitive Study for the Aging-a Longitudinal Study With a Greek Cypriot Cohort
AgingMemory Impairment2 moreThe Neurocognitive Study for the Aging (NEUROAGE) was initially funded by the Cyprus Innovation Foundation and has received subsequent funding by the European Union Regional Development Fund. The project focuses on the understanding of the effects of age on neurocognitive abilities such as attention, memory, language, categorization, and executive functioning. In addition, specific arms of the project investigate the effects of a theory-driven hierarchical training program, the Categorization Program, to improve cognitive abilities in adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and of a group intervention program focusing on cognitive and psychosocial abilities. Over 1000 adults ages 40 and older have been recruited in the NEUROAGE project thus far. The grant was awarded to the University of Cyprus, with Professor Fofi Constantinidou as the PI.
Validation of a Novel Self-Administered Cognitive Assessment Tool (CogCheck) in Patients With Mild...
Dementia AlzheimersMild Cognitive Impairment2 moreDue to the demographical development, age-related diseases will drastically increase over the next decades. To face this healthcare challenge, early and accurate identification of cognitive impairment is crucial. The assessment of neurocognitive functioning ideally requires a tool that is short, easy to administer and interpret, and has high diagnostic accuracy. In this context, the use of computerized test batteries is receiving increasing attention. Compared to paper-pencil tests, computerized test batteries have many advantages. The possibility to measure reaction times may provide additional information. Moreover, test questions are always presented the exact same way, examiner-related bias is eliminated, and results are available immediately after examination. Due to the ability to adjust the level of difficulty to the performance of the individual, floor and ceiling effects may be minimized. Additionally, costs are reduced, and fewer materials and less trained personnel are required. Finally, big data approaches and the use of machine learning algorithms are becoming more popular in the field of clinical diagnostics, and computerized cognitive test batteries may facilitate future data collection to this aim. In 2014, we developed a self-administered tablet computer program for the iPad (CogCheck) to assess preoperative cognitive functioning in surgery patients. The cognitive tests used in the CogCheck application are identical or similar to the paper-and-pencil tests that are currently used in dementia diagnostics. Replacing some of the paper-and-pencil tests by a computerized test battery may facilitate the routine neuropsychological examinations. Thus, we aim to investigate the diagnostic accuracy and user-friendliness of CogCheck when applied in a cognitively impaired patient sample. In a first step, the diagnostic properties of CogCheck will be examined by differentiating between healthy controls and patients with mild or major neurocognitive disorder (NCD) predominantly due to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Data from healthy controls have been collected (EKNZ Req-2016-00393) in a previous normative study of CogCheck. Thus a further aim is to investigate the user-friendliness of CogCheck in patients with mild or major NCD predominantly due to AD. The primary aim of our study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of CogCheck for patients with mild or major NCD predominantly due to AD in a German-speaking population. Secondary aims are: (1) to examine the user-friendliness of CogCheck in patients with mild or major NCD predominantly due to AD, (2) to compare the results between cognitively healthy individuals (EKNZ Req-2016-00393) and patients with mild or major NCD predominantly due to AD on each of the CogCheck subtest, (3) to establish an algorithm with the CogCheck subtests that optimally distinguishes between cognitively healthy controls (EKNZ Req-2016-00393) and patients with mild or major NCD predominantly due to AD, (4) to compare the diagnostic properties of CogCheck with the ones of the currently used paper-pencil tests.
Development of a Prediction Model for Delirium After Cardiac Surgery Using a Novel Self-Administered...
Postoperative DeliriumPostoperative Cognitive Dysfunction4 moreThis observational cohort study is designed to validate the CogCheck application as a risk prediction tool for postoperative delirium in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
International Observational Study on Perioperative Cognitive Trajectories (POCD Census International/PCI)...
Postoperative Cognitive Deficit (POCD)Neurocognitive DisordersThe purpose of this international, multi-centre observational study is to describe perioperative cognitive changes (pre-existing neurocognitive disorder [NCD], postoperative delirium [POD] and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction [POCD]) up to five years after elective surgery in a mixed cohort. Measurements and definitions of cognitive outcomes will be based on current consensus and used for further harmonization in future clinical studies on perioperative cognitive trajectories. This is a feasibility approach to identify an effective screening procedure and estimate loss to follow up rates for the planning of future intervention studies. Data from this trial may also serve to facilitate and implement time effective cognitive screening and risk stratification concerning postoperative cognitive decline in the anaesthesiological preoperative assessment.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation in Mitigating Anxiety-induced Cognitive...
AnxietyCognitive DeficitThis study investigates the potential of cranial electrotherapy stimulation to mitigate anxiety induced cognitive deficits
Studying the Effects of Brain Stimulation on Cognitive Control and Associated EEG in Human Subjects....
Cognitive DeficitThis is a basic neuroscience study of modulating brain oscillations involved in cognitive control. We will record brain signals and stimulate specific regions of the brain in human participants who are undergoing monitoring for epilepsy surgery. It is not a clinical trial for treating any disease.
MOBility Disorders Assessment in Patients With Mild COGnitive Disorders
Cognitive DysfunctionMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined by lower performance in one or more cognitive domains with preservation of independence in functional abilities. Sixteen percent of community-dwelling older people (over 65 years) live with MCI. They are both cognitively and physically vulnerable. From a cognitive perspective, they are susceptible to converting to the dementia stage at an annual rate of 10%. From a physical perspective, the proportion of slow gait or neurological gait abnormalities can reach 46% in the population with MCI. Falls in turn increase the risk of accelerated cognitive decline and the risk of institutionalization. In the absence of a curative treatment for dementia, it is essential to have an effective and personalized prevention strategy by identifying the predictive factors for falls in this at-risk population with MCI. The research goals of this project are 1) to identify specific predictors for falls in clinic attendees with MCI in preparation for a definitive, fully powered study across France, and 2) to demonstrate the feasibility of a pragmatic fall risk assessment in MCs, whatever its setting and location. We aim to prospectively follow-up people diagnosed with MCI and aged above 65 years old in four MCs in France (three in the North (one community-based MC), and one in the Centre) for one year.
Computerized Training of Attention and Working Memory in Post COVID-19 Patients With Cognitive Complaints...
COVID-19Cognitive Impairment6 moreMany 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.
18F-AV-1451 PET Imaging in Participants Enrolled in the LEARN Study
Cognition DisordersApproximately 50 participants enrolled in the LEARN study (NCT02488720) will be enrolled in the LEARN-Tau study. The study designed to evaluate the imaging characteristics of 18F-AV-1451 in participants enrolled in the LEARN study and to expand the safety database of 18F-AV-1451. The study will run in parallel to the LEARN study. In this study, participants will undergo up to four (4) 18F-AV-1451 PET scans over a 4.5 year period. Imaging visits will occur at the throughout the participant's participation in the LEARN study (corresponding to LEARN Visit 1, between Visit 4 and 6, Visit 8, and Visit 11). The LEARN-Tau study will (1) look at change in the amount of tau protein in the brain over time, measured by the 18F-AV-1451 PET scan, (2) see if tau protein in the brain of older individuals is associated with memory problems and (3) evaluate the safety of 18F-AV-1451 and any side effects that might be associated with it. Site investigators, participants, and study partners will not be informed of the results of the 18F-AV-1451 PET scan results as they relate to the study; however, any findings that may be of potential medical concern will be provided for appropriate follow-up.
Cognitive Exercises in Survivors of a Prolonged ICU Stay.
Critical IllnessCognition DisorderThis study concerns patients who survived intensive care, after a minimum stay of 7 days and presenting cognitive disorders (with a score ≤ 26 on the MoCA test) during the post-intensive care follow-up consultation one month after ICU discharge. The objective of this prospective open-label randomized study is to assess the impact of cognitive stimulation on recovery from cognitive impairment after a critical illness.