GnRH Therapy on Cognition in Down Syndrome
Down SyndromeCognitive Decline3 moreDown syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder; with the increasing life expectancy, about 80% of DS adults reach age 65 years old. Early Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of death within this population. DS individuals already show AD neuropathology by the age of 30, while it becomes clinically recognized in their late forties. DS subjects also exhibit olfaction defects in adulthood. To date, there is no treatment available for the cognitive or olfactory defects in DS. The development of an effective treatment targeting cognitive dysfunction in DS adolescents/adults would be warranted. GnRH, a decapeptide secreted by hypothalamic neurons is the pilot light of reproduction in all mammals. Pulsatile GnRH acts on the gonadotrophs via the GnRH receptor (GNRHR) in the pituitary gland to stimulate LH and FSH, which themselves will act on the gonads to produce gametes and steroids. However, GNRHR are also expressed in cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, habenula, olfactory structures, and adrenal gland, suggesting that GnRH may have a role beyond reproduction. Recently, GnRH has been shown to be involved in the process of ageing and lifespan control. Notably, in murine models, GnRH acts as an anti-ageing factor, independent of sex hormones. While ageing is characterized by hypothalamic inflammation and diminished neurogenesis, particularly in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus, GnRH was able to promote adult neurogenesis. The regulation of GnRH secretion is complex and involves hormonal, neuronal input, and environmental factors. Prévot et al. recently explored cognition within the Ts65Dn model and showed an age-dependent loss of the ability to recognize new objects. Also, these mice exhibit defects in olfaction. Given the role of GnRH in anti-aging mice model, pulsatile GnRH or continuous GnRH infusion (leading to desensitization of the GNRHR) were given to the Ts65Dn mice for two weeks. Amazingly, pulsatile but not continuous GnRH therapy was able to recover cognitive and olfaction defects.
A Novel Computer-Based Functional Skills Assessment and Training Program
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentHealthy AgingPeople with cognitive impairments such as Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), often experience difficulty performing everyday routine activities. Further, normative age-related changes in cognition often lead to deficits on previously learned skills and impede new learning such as learning of new technology systems. This is of great concern, given population aging, the increasing number of older adults with cognitive impairments, and the continual deployment of new technologies in everyday contexts. The objectives of this SBIR Phase II study is to build on a previous Phase I SBIR project and refine and further evaluate a novel integrated computer-based functional skills assessment and training (CFSAT) program that provides training on everyday tasks critical to independent living (e.g., financial and medication management) with non-impaired older adults (NC) and adults with MCI.
MCI: CPAP Treatment of OSA (Memories2)
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentSleep Apnea1 moreThe purpose of this project is to determine whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment with positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) can delay the progression of cognitive impairment in patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) as measured by cognitive testing, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Study participants will be assessed at baseline, six-month (cognitive tests only) and one-year follow-up.
Deferiprone to Delay Dementia (The 3D Study)
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentProdromal Alzheimer's Disease1 moreThis study is a phase 2, randomised, placebo-controlled, multicentre study to investigate the safety and efficacy of Deferiprone in participants with Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease (pAD) and Mild Alzheimer's Disease (mAD). In this phase 2 study, the investigators aim to determine whether Deferiprone (15 mg/kg BID orally) slows cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. As secondary outcomes, safety and iron levels in the brain will be evaluated.
Sleep Disturbance in MCI: A Study of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Digital Intervention
Cognitive DysfunctionInsomnia3 moreThis study aims to determine the feasibility of a randomized-controlled trial of digital cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) for sleep and cognitive performance in older adults with MCI and insomnia symptoms (50-80 years). The trial will be completed online, and participants will be recruited from the community across Australia.
Effect of Treatment With EGb 761(r) on Blood Markers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Patients...
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the moderate impairment of a mental abilities to perform intellectual activities eg memory, calculation, communication... MCI is a disorder that can occur earlier than dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. It is believed that there are several factors involved such as inflammation and oxidative stress which is the production of reactive oxygen species that damage cells. This clinical study tries to evaluate that a treatment already approved by the AEMPS, EGb 761® (Tebofortan), could reduce the levels of markers of inflammation and oxidation in the blood.
The Influence of Electroacupuncture on Postoperative Agitation of Pediatrics Undergoing Sevoflurane...
General Anesthetics ToxicityPostoperative Cognitive Dysfunction1 morePostoperative agitation is a common complication in pediatric anesthesia, with an incidence ranging from 10% to 80%. Common surgical procedures in children include tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, insidious penis prolongation and circumcision, etc. Postoperative delirium and agitation is a clinical emergency, and can have detrimental effects on the child's health. The primary clinical manifestations include disorganized movements, moaning, incoherent speech, confusion and paranoid characters, inability to be concentrated, and irritability, obstinacy or uncooperative; all these would increase the risks of falling out of bed, possible fractures, and all kinds of tube loss. These symptoms would sustain postoperative recovery significantly and pose a possible long-term neurological dysfunction. As a result, an extended hospitalization, elevated in-hospital mortality rate, escalated medical expenses, heightened risk of cognitive impairment, reduced quality of life, and increased incidence of postoperative complications. Traditional acupuncture has been shown to improve cerebral micro-circulation, correct energy metabolism disorders, alleviate chronic pain and regulate visceral function, lessen fatigue and modulate immune. Moreover, acupuncture is a simple, effective and safe therapy. Electroacupuncture therapy is produced and developed on the basis of acupuncture therapy, which has a regulatory effect on multiple systems of the body and can play a regulatory effect that is consistent with normal physiological regulation. Modern medicine believes that the anterior cingulate gyrus, hippocampus, and other regions of the limbic system are the possible center control of emotion and cognition. Electroacupuncture treatment can help accelerate the recovery of central nervous system function, which plays a protective role on the central nerve system, especially the brain, within 24-72 hours after electroacupuncture treatment. At the same time, electroacupuncture is beneficial to the recovery of immune function postoperatively, it can promote the release of central neurotransmitters and improve receptor activity, so as to play a role in postoperative analgesia, reduce the dosage of anesthetics, brain protection, neurological function rehabilitation, and so on. According to scientific research, it also posses a certain effect on the prevention and treatment of postoperative delirium. Sevoflurane is an inhale anesthetic which is widely used in clinics for pediatric general anesthesia. Due to the high incidence of postoperative delirium and agitation, it has been given rise to great concern on pediatric clinical anesthesia. In order to reduce delirium and agitation incidence, the investigators apply electroacupuncture in pediatric for sevoflurane combined with intravenous general anesthesia, aim to target a safe way to lessen postoperative brain complications on pediatric. This is a single-center experimental study that employs randomization, triple-blinding, and control study. Pediatric patients were randomly assigned to two groups, sevoflurane general anesthesia group (S group) and electroacupuncture group (E group), 40 patients, respectively. Anesthesia induction, maintenance, and monitoring be performed identically in both groups, the S group will not receive electroacupuncture treatment, the E group will receive electroacupuncture therapy. Electroacupuncture intervention will be performed by blinded acupuncture physicians, visitor who is blind to collect preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative data while visiting patients, data statisticians, who are blind to the intervention, data collection, conducted statistical analyses on the data electronically.
Efficacy of Cognitive Rehabilitation Using Virtual Reality and Computer-based Cognitive Stimulation...
Parkinson DiseaseHuntington DiseaseMild cognitive impairment associated with movement disorders occurs in up to one third of patients in early stages of the disease, and confers an increased risk of developing dementia. Non-pharmacological interventions to improve cognition have so far been based on computer-based cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation programs. These interventions base their mechanism of action on neuroplasticity and how improvements in cognitive function will generalize to functional improvement. Despite having shown certain indicators of efficacy in previous exploratory studies and clinical trials, cognitive rehabilitation continues to show insufficient evidence and requires further study. To date, there are no previous studies using immersive virtual reality (IVR) to improve cognition. Both IVR and cognitive stimulation are based on the premise that they allow the simulation of ecological environments for rehabilitation than conventional rehabilitation, as well as being more efficient by allowing control of extraneous variables and providing safe spaces for patients. The only PD rehabilitation studies that have been conducted using IVR aimed to improve gait and balance disturbances compared to conventional physiotherapy treatment or non-immersive virtual reality (NIVR). We hypothesize that a cognitive rehabilitation program using IVR or computer-mediated cognitive stimulation could have a greater beneficial effect on the cognitive status of patients with cognitive impairment associated with movement disorders compared to other modalities such as music therapy, delaying the worsening of cognitive functions.
Study of Nasal Insulin to Fight Forgetfulness - Device Study
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentCognitive ImpairmentThe SNIFF Device study will involve using a device to administer insulin through each participant's nose or intra-nasally. Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the body. It works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This study is measuring how much insulin the device delivers. In addition, this study will look at the effects of insulin or placebo administered intra-nasally using a nebulizer-like device on memory, blood, and cerebral spinal fluid.
Cognitive Training and Neuroplasticity in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentMemory Disorders4 moreThe purpose of this study is to evaluate if systematic cognitive training can improve cognitive performance in participants (55 and older) with memory loss. This study will evaluate the effects of Computerized Cognitive Training (CCT) for improvement in everyday cognitive and function status, in addition to long-term changes in brain networks over an 18-month period. Although there is no distribution of medication for this study, participants are required to have an at-home computer.