RecruitingNCT05927974

Investigating Dynamic Interactions in Distributed Cognitive Control Networks

Sponsor

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Mar 27, 2023

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Cognitive Impairment Dementia Depression ADD

Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the brain activity associated with cognitive tasks (thinking, reasoning, remembering) in order to understand how the brain works during certain tasks and to improve treatment for diseases like dementia and attention deficit disorders. Cognitive (thinking) impairment may include poor memory function, poor attention span, or psychiatric disorders (ex: ADD, depression). The investigators are interested in the brain activity related to these issues, and want to investigate changes in brain activity while we record activity from specific areas of the brain. These recordings are in addition to clinical (routine or standard of care) recordings being performed to monitor for seizures and do not impact the clinical care.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This brain research study uses electrodes already placed in the brain for epilepsy surgery planning to study how different brain regions communicate and coordinate during thinking and attention tasks. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You have been diagnosed with epilepsy that does not respond to medication - You have already been approved for brain surgery as part of your epilepsy care - You are willing to participate in cognitive tasks during your monitoring stay **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You cannot give full informed consent - You are under 18 - You are not physically able to participate in the study activities - You have a major medical or surgical complication Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTPassive testing

Passive testing includes baseline recordings or behavioral tasks without stimulation. Examples include language tasks, cognitive, and motor tasks. Passive testing typically takes 30-60 minutes and does not require presence of an epileptologist as the tasks are of minimal or no risk.

DIAGNOSTIC_TESTActive testing

Active testing includes any study activity in which stimulation occurs. The most frequent paradigm consists of delivering small amounts of electrical stimulation through the implanted grid/strip/depth electrodes. This will be either continuous stimulation or patterned stimulation such as intermittent theta-burst . Stimulation will range between 1-8 mAmp. The duration of these pulses will last between 2-5 seconds. Subjects may be asked to rest quietly or to perform behavioral tasks during stimulation. Since there is a risk of evoking seizure activity with active testing, presence of an epileptologist is required. Active testing will only occur once the PI/staff has communicated with the epileptologist regarding safety, feasibility, and timing of active testing. Active testing will typically take 60-90 minutes and is only performed once patients are back on their anti-seizure medications.