Adult Memory Research Study
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are investigating the affective, physiological, and neural mechanisms that contribute to successful cognitive aging in adults.
Fast Facts
Ages 20-30 or
60-85
Healthy
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Boston, MA
Study Background
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are investigating what keeps our brains healthy and happy as we get older.
We use a multimodal approach employing neuropsychological testing (testing how your brain works), peripheral physiology, and structural and functional MRI. We aim to study the affective, physiological, and neurological factors contributing to healthy aging.
You will complete questionnaires and undergo tests to see how the brain works, memory tasks in an MRI scanner, and computer-based memory tests.
Study Background
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital are investigating what keeps our brains healthy and happy as we get older.
We use a multimodal approach employing neuropsychological testing (testing how your brain works), peripheral physiology, and structural and functional MRI. We aim to study the affective, physiological, and neurological factors contributing to healthy aging.
You will complete questionnaires and undergo tests to see how the brain works, memory tasks in an MRI scanner, and computer-based memory tests.
Additional Information
The purpose of this study is to learn about what keeps our brains healthy and happy as we get older.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy, cognitively normal adult between the ages of 20-30 or 60-85
- Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g. tumor, cortical infarct)
- Presence of another neurologic disorder, which could impact findings (e.g. multiple sclerosis)
- Cardiovascular disease, stroke, congestive heart failure
- Active hematological, renal, pulmonary, endocrine or hepatic disorders.
- A history of active alcohol or substance abuse
- Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the study protocol
- MRI contraindications, such as the presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body
- Body Mass Index exceeding 33 (BMI limit of the MRI table)
- Pregnancy
- Currently breastfeeding
- Unwilling to return for follow-up, undergo neuropsychological testing and MR imaging
- Left-handedness
- Site investigator’s discretion, if they feel the subject cannot complete sufficient key study procedures. Exceptions to these guidelines may be considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Project Director
- Active psychiatric disorder or use of psychiatric medication
- Medications that may affect peripheral physiology or vasculature
This research study consists of 3 visits in total:
- Session 1: Will take place virtually (Zoom). During this session, you will complete informed consent, undergo neuropsychological testing, and complete questionnaires. This session will last up to 2.5 hours.
- Session 2: This second session involves an MRI scan at MGH’s Charlestown Navy Yard location. Here, you will complete memory tasks in the scanner while hooked up to peripheral physiology equipment. This session will last up to 4 hours, but you are not in the scanner for more than 2 hours.
- Session 3: Lastly, the third session takes place at Northeastern University and involves some computer based memory and affective tasks while we collect physiological data. This session will last up to 3 hours.
Compensation is provided up to $250 for your participation.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.