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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00833274

Evaluation of Apathy Using Attentional Reaction Test in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Apathy, defined as a lack of motivation in behaviour, cognition and affect, is common in neurodegenerative diseases. Specific scales are available for the evaluation of apathy but it lacks objective evaluation methods.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in reaction time task according to the presence or absence of reward stimulation and to assess the relation between these performances and apathy scales.

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Key information

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Dementia Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurocognitive Disorders Neurodegenerative Diseases Tauopathies

Age range

65 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

CM2R, Nice University Hospital

Nice, 06000, France

About this study

MATERIAL: 13 patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), 15 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 91 elderly healthy subjects were enrolled. A computerized test using the experiment software E-prime® was designed to assess reaction times (in ms) in different experimental conditions after a training trial (neutral, stimulation, stress, stimulation after stress, extinction) and relation between the performances to the test and the Apathy Inventory (AI) scores (lack of initiative, lack of interest, emotional blunting) were observed.

METHOD: Using a computerized test, each patient is asked to press a button (mouse of the computer) each time the screen of the computer becomes completely white. After pressing the button, a randomized colorized geometric figure appears on the screen, and disappears automatically after a few seconds, replaced by a new white screen. Reaction time (in ms) between a white screen and a press of the button is analysed. After a training trial, reaction times are analysed in different experimental conditions: neutral - stimulation1 (patient gets points when pressing the button) - stress (alarm) - stimulation2 (patient gets points when pressing, after the stress trial) - extinction (similar to neutral condition).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Elderly patients with diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease according to DSM-IV criteria
  • MMSE >20

Exclusion criteria

  • None
  • Motor or psychiatric disorders

Treatment and study plan

computerized test

Behavioral

Using a computerized test, each patient is asked to press a button (mouse of the computer) each time the screen of the computer becomes completely white.

Primary outcomes

  1. Reaction times (ms), using a computerized test

    Time frame: one time point, at day 0 (day of inclusion) during the computerized test

Secondary outcomes

  1. Apathy severity, using a specific apathy scale (Apathy Inventory)

    Time frame: one time point, at day 0 (day of inclusion), during the visit

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2009
Primary completion
2011
Study completion
2011
First posted
Feb 2, 2009
Registry last updated
Dec 9, 2011

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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