The Cognitive Enhancing Effects of D-Cycloserine Among Non-Demented Elderly
Information source: Hartford Hospital
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Treatment; Placebo
Intervention: d-cycloserine (Drug); Sugar Pill (Drug)
Phase: Phase 2
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: Hartford Hospital Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): Gretchen J. Diefenbach, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Hartford Hospital
Summary
The goal of this study is to determine whether a study medication (d-cycloserine) improves
the ability of older adults to perform on tests of neuropsychological functioning. Tests of
neuropsychological functioning assess attention, memory, and executive functioning skills
(for example, problem-solving, planning and organizing skills). It was hypothesized that
participants who received study medication would perform better on neuropsychological tests
than would participants who received the sugar pill.
Clinical Details
Official title: The Cognitive Enhancing Effects of D-Cycloserine Among Non-Demented Elderly
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment
Primary outcome: California Verbal Learning Test-II (CLVT-II)
Secondary outcome: Continuous Performance TestControlled Oral Word Association Test Logical Memory Subtests Wisconsin Card Sort Test Tower of London Trails B Stroop Implicit Memory Task
Detailed description:
Accumulating data support the augmenting effects of d-cycloserine (DCS) when combined with
exposure-based treatment for anxiety disorders. Additional research is needed to determine
whether DCS facilitates other forms of cognitive processing (e. g., attention, memory,
executive functioning) that are involved in cognitive behavioral therapies which do not rely
on extinction as a mechanism of action. This question is particularly important among older
adults who have experienced normal age-related declines in cognitive functioning, which may
interfere with their ability to benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapies. The aim of the
current study was to determine the cognitive enhancing effects of DCS on neuropsychological
test performance among healthy older adults. It was hypothesized that participants who
received d-cycloserine would demonstrate superior performance on neuropsychological tests
than would participants who received placebo.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 60 Years.
Maximum age: N/A.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- age 60 or older
- native English speaker
Exclusion Criteria:
- diagnosis of current psychiatric disorder
- substance abuse past 3 months
- cognitive impairment
- neurological disorder
- poor health or unstable medical condition
- positive toxicology screen
- current use of isoniazid
- current use of trecator
- severe renal insufficiency
Locations and Contacts
Anxiety Disorders Center, Institute of Living/Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut 06106, United States
Additional Information
Starting date: January 2008
Last updated: May 18, 2012
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