
Effect of Heat Exposure on Cognition in Persons With Tetraplegia
TetraplegiaHypothermia1 moreThe ability to maintain normal body temperature (Tcore) is impaired in persons with tetraplegia: subnormal Tcore and vulnerability to hypothermia (<95 F) have been documented in this population after exposure to even mild environmental temperatures. However, no work to date has addressed the effect of subnormal Tcore on cognitive performance in persons with tetraplegia despite studies with able-bodied (AB) individuals that have documented progressive decline in various aspects of cognitive performance associated with the magnitude of the depression in Tcore. The investigators' study will confirm and extend their initial observations in persons with higher cord lesions who have subnormal Tcore to show that cognitive performance will be improved by raising Tcore to euthermic levels. This improvement should be associated with greater function and independence, reintegration into society, and an improved quality of life. Specific Aims: During exposure to 95 F for up to 120 minutes in the seated position, the investigators' aims are: Primary Specific Aim: To determine if a modest rise in Tcore to euthermic levels has a positive effect on cognitive performance (attention, working memory, processing speed, and executive function) in persons with higher-level spinal cord injury (SCI). Primary Hypothesis: Based on the investigators' pilot data: (1) 80% of persons with SCI will demonstrate an increase of 1 F in Tcore, while none of the AB controls will demonstrate such an increase; (2) 80% of persons with SCI will have an improvement of at least one T-score in Stroop Interference scores (a validated measure of executive function), while none of the AB controls will demonstrate a change in cognitive performance. Secondary Specific Aim: To determine changes in: (1) The average of distal skin temperatures; (2) Sweat rate; and (3) Subjective rating of thermal sensitivity. Secondary Hypothesis: Persons with SCI will have less of a percent change in average distal skin temperatures and sweat rate, and will report blunted ratings of thermal sensitivity compared to that of AB controls.

Intervention Program for Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a syndrome defined as a cognitive decline that is more severe than can be explained by an individual's age and education. One study in the United States found that MCI caregivers have experienced distress in association with caregiver burden. The prevalence of MCI for people age 65 and older ranges from 3% to 19%. Understanding the process of family caregiving provides a knowledge base for the health professionals when developing effective interventions. However, little is known about the phenomenon of family caregiving to patients with MCI in Taiwan. Therefore, the purpose of the proposed study is to develop a theoretical model and a model-based intervention program for family caregivers of patients with MCI in Taiwan, and pilot test it in a clinical trial.

Impact of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Language Functions in Mild Cognitive Impairment...
Mild Cognitive ImpairmentThe purpose of this study is to determine if non-invasive electrical brain stimulation can improve word-retrieval in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).

Characterizing and Predicting Drug Effects on Cognition
Cognitive DeficitsCognitive impairment is a widely reported side effect of many commonly used drugs. Even a mild, untoward effect on an essential function such a linguistic behavior, a directly observable product of complex cognitive processes, is disruptive to daily life. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying a drug's impact on cognition are poorly understood. This lack of understanding impedes the ability to predict both the effects of drugs in development and the degree to which an individual is vulnerable to the cognitive impact of a particular agent. Topiramate (TPM, an antiepileptic drug) is, with increasing frequency, being prescribed for a range of conditions including migraine prophylaxis, obesity and pain. It is a prime example of a drug that causes speech and language problems severe enough in some patients to result in discontinuation of therapy. For reasons not well understood, TPM has a poorer cognitive profile than many of the older antiepileptic drugs. The investigators' rational for this study is that it will offer insight into the mechanisms underlying drug-induced cognitive deficits.

Brain Uptake of GSK1034702: a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan Study
Cognitive DisordersGSK1034702 is being developed for improving cognitive impairment in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. This study will be done in healthy men to investigate how much of the study drug gets into the brain. This will be done using Positron Emission Tomography (PET).

A Relational Research Recruitment and Engagement Intervention for Cognitive Aging Research
DementiaCognitive Dysfunction3 moreDespite well-documented disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (AD) prevalence, incidence, treatment, and mortality, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g. racial/ethnic minorities and socioeconomically disadvantaged persons) are under-represented in clinical research. Existing research recruitment approaches are rarely designed to accommodate the priorities, concerns, and constraints relevant to participants from diverse backgrounds. To address these gaps, the investigators developed a research recruitment and engagement model, the Participant Oriented Research Engagement Model that centers and prioritizes relational aspects of research engagement, research participant needs, and systematically address socioeconomic determinants (i.e. unmet needs) that may limit accessibility of research. The investigators propose to test the effectiveness of the Brain Health Community (BHC) Registry recruitment and engagement intervention, as compared to standard research recruitment strategies in modifying enrollment rates, participant satisfaction, and engagement. The investigators hypothesize that the BHC Registry will yield greater enrollment rates, higher satisfaction, and better ratings of relational engagement.

Virtual Reality Training Intervention on Cognitive Function and Quality of Life
Virtual RealityCognitive Impairment1 moreThe present study aimed to investigate the effects of a Virtual Reality cognitive training intervention (VRCTI) on cognitive function changes measured with a cognitive test battery and improvement of quality of life in older adults with cognitive impairment in long-term care facilities. Weekly 1-hour sessions were implemented over 8 weeks targeting sustained and selective attention, memory, cognitive functions, and rule deduction. The passive control group received usual care.

Ascending Dose Study of CT1812 in Healthy Volunteers
Cognitive ImpairmentThis is a double-blind, placebo controlled, ascending dose, multi-cohort trial. The study will be conducted in two phases: a single ascending dose (SAD) phase "Part A", followed by a multiple ascending dose (MAD) phase "Part B". In Part A, subjects will receive one dose of study drug. In Part B, subjects within a cohort will receive the same dose daily for 14 days. In both parts, sequential cohorts will be exposed to increasing doses of CT1812 in order to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

CPAP to Treat Cognitive Dysfunction in MS
Multiple SclerosisThe objectives of this study are to determine the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS); and to evaluate whether OSA treatment with positive airway pressure therapy could improve cognitive dysfunction in MS patients who have OSA.

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) To Prevent Development of Cognitive Dysfunction Due to Chemotherapy
Cognitive DysfunctionThe purpose of this study is to determine if a high dose of DHA begun prior to and continued during neo-adjuvant chemotherapy (chemotherapy given prior to surgery) is likely to prevent or lessen chemotherapy induced cognitive dysfunction.