RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Spotting and Managing Adult Repeated Traumas in the Brain

This research is investigating how mild head injuries, often called concussions, might impact the brain as people get older. Scientists know that concussions can have lasting effects for many years and might even increase the risk of dementia. This study aims to understand these long-term changes better, especially how they differ between men and women. They'll be using advanced brain scans, blood tests, and a special computer program called NeuroTracker. NeuroTracker can test brain function and also be used as a kind of training. The goal is to see if NeuroTracker can help older adults who have had concussions improve their memory and thinking. Ultimately, this study hopes to find better ways to understand and help people affected by past head injuries.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Université de Montréal

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2027

Brain Injury Traumatic Mild

What is this study about?

This important study is all about understanding how mild head injuries, like concussions, can affect our brains as we get older. You might know concussions as those 'dings to the head' that can happen from sports, falls, or accidents. While the immediate effects usually pass, there's growing evidence that for some people, these injuries might have longer-term impacts, potentially affecting brain health for many years and even increasing the risk of memory problems like dementia later in life.

The researchers want to get a clearer picture of these long-term effects. They're particularly interested in whether these impacts are different for men and women. To do this, they will be using some clever tools. This includes advanced brain scans (MRI) to look at the brain's structure, blood tests to check for specific markers of brain health, and a computer-based program called NeuroTracker. NeuroTracker is designed to test your attention and quick thinking, and it can also be used as a kind of brain training.

The study has two main goals: First, to understand exactly how mild head injuries affect the brain's health and function in older adults. Second, and very excitingly, they want to see if using NeuroTracker as a training tool can actually help people who have had concussions to improve their thinking skills. By exploring all these aspects, the hope is to find better ways to both understand why some people are more affected than others and to develop effective ways to help those living with the long-term effects of past head injuries.

Key takeaways

This study investigates how mild head injuries (concussions) affect older adults' brains.
It uses advanced brain scans, blood tests, and a computer program called NeuroTracker.
The research aims to understand long-term concussion effects and gender differences.
One goal is to see if NeuroTracker training can improve thinking skills after a concussion.
You must be 60+ and have had a concussion at least one year ago to be eligible.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are 60 years old or older. You'll be considered if you've had a concussion in the past, as long as your most recent one was at least a year ago. The researchers will ask you about your past concussions, including how they happened, when they occurred, if you lost consciousness, how they were diagnosed, and what your symptoms were.

They'll also ask generally about your health, education, and any medications you're taking. This helps them understand different factors that might affect brain health. It's important to be open with this information so the researchers can understand your specific situation.

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you have a diagnosed brain condition like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, a severe mental health condition like schizophrenia, or any health issue or medication that's known to affect thinking skills. Also, if you have severe eyesight problems that would make it hard to use the computer-based training, or if you have metal implants that prevent you from having an MRI scan, you wouldn't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 60 years old or older?
Have you had at least one concussion in your past?
Was your most recent concussion at least one year ago?
Do you NOT have a diagnosed brain condition like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's?
Do you NOT have severe vision problems (like blindness in one eye or severe colour blindness)?
Are you able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no metal implants in your body)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll go through a series of assessments. This will include detailed interviews about your health history and any past concussions. You'll also have brain scans (MRI), which are like special photographs of your brain, and blood tests. You'll use the NeuroTracker computer program to test your attention and speed of thinking. If you're in the group that receives the training, you'll spend some time practicing with NeuroTracker. All of these steps are designed to understand your brain health before and after any training. The exact number of visits and the total duration aren't fully detailed here, but these kinds of studies typically involve several visits over a period of weeks to months.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study could offer some benefits, such as gaining a better understanding of your own brain health and contributing valuable information that might help many others who have experienced concussions. The NeuroTracker training might also help improve your thinking skills. Risks are generally low; MRI scans are safe for most people, and blood tests are a common procedure. As with any study, you have the right to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and this won't affect your medical care.

Locations (3)

Christie Lab
Verified postcode
Victoria, Canada· Recruiting
Jodie Gawryluk
Verified postcode
Victoria, Canada· Recruiting
Faubert Lab
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a type of mild brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that makes the brain move rapidly inside the skull. It can affect how your brain normally works for a short time.

Why is this study only for people aged 60 and over?

The study focuses on older adults because it wants to understand how concussions affect the brain over a long period, especially looking at effects that might appear later in life, like increasing the risk of dementia.

What is NeuroTracker?

NeuroTracker is a computer program that helps to test and train your brain's ability to pay attention, follow moving objects, and think quickly. It's like a fun brain exercise!

Will I know my test results?

The study aims to gather group data, but you can usually discuss with the research team what feedback you might receive about your individual results. This would be explained before you join.

Is NeuroTracker a proven treatment for concussions?

That's exactly what this study is trying to find out! While it shows promise, this research is part of the process to gather evidence and understand how effective it is for people with past concussions.

How to find out more

Eduardo Lugo Project Manager, PhD

eduardo.lugo.arce@umontreal.ca 1-514-441-9197 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.