Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Decline of Aging Aviator Performance

N/ACompletedNCT01120860

Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research67 enrolled

Overview

The primary purpose of this study is to apply state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) techniques to measure changes over time in the brain.

We expect that MRI and MRSI techniques will be a useful adjunct in research efforts to understand individual differences in performance of a complex attention-demanding task, such as flying a plane or driving a car. Other predictors of change in performance of a complex task may include simple tests of processing speed and working memory, past training and recent practice of the task, and genetic risk factors for degenerative brain disease. In this project, we will examine whether baseline MR measures are as useful as longitudinal MR measures in predicting amount of change over time in task performance. This research is part of a long-term effort to achieve earlier identification of individuals at risk of decline and ultimately minimize loss of function.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Age-related Cognitive Decline

Interventions

MRIDEVICE

MRI - routine imaging sequences, designed for anatomical quantification

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 45 YearsMax age: 100 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects will be included if they have participated in the protocol "Age-Related Longitudinal Changes in Aviator Performance" and agree to participate in this protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects will be excluded if they currently have a major neurological disease, unstable/untreated medical disease (such as untreated hypertension). * In consideration of the magnetic fields in which subjects will be placed for the MR scanning, we will also exclude subjects who are unable to safely and comfortably complete the scanning session. This includes individuals who are wearing any metal prosthesis or who have cardiac pacemakers or any other nonremovable metal objects. * Subjects reporting a history of severe claustrophobia or poorly controlled back pain will be excluded because it is unlikely they could comfortably remain still in the MRI scanner for the duration of the scan. * In addition, subjects who do not fit in the apparatus will also be excluded.

Locations (1)

VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Palo Alto, California, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

flight simulator performance summary score

z-score composite of executing ATC communications, avoiding traffic, monitoring engine malfunctions, visual approach and landing

Time frame: yearly for up to 6 years

Secondary Outcomes

CogScreen-AE

computerized battery (assesses processing speed, executive function, paired assoc memory, n-back task, psychomotor tracking

Time frame: yearly

Salthouse processing speed measures

digit copy \& pattern comparison

Time frame: yearl

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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