Attentional Mechanisms in Subjective Cognitive Decline

This study is looking at how attention works in people who feel their memory or thinking skills are declining, even if standard tests show they are still normal (Subjective Cognitive Decline or SCD). Researchers want to see if a single dose of mecamylamine (a drug that affects attention) or a placebo (an inactive pill) changes how your brain's attention networks work. They will measure this using an EEG (electroencephalography, which measures brain waves) and attention tests. The study aims to understand if people with more subjective cognitive concerns rely more on their attention networks to stay sharp, and if disrupting this process with mecamylamine has a greater impact on them. You may be able to join if you are 55 or older, a non-smoker, and have good scores on cognitive tests like the MoCA. The study plans to enroll 80 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 80 participants. It is double-blinded and randomized, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know if you receive mecamylamine or placebo.
What's involved
You will complete two study visits, which will include cognitive testing and an EEG session. Screening procedures involve medical history review, vital signs, an electrocardiogram, and blood tests.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary endpoint is measured approximately 72 hours after the second drug challenge.

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NCT06002477

Attentional Mechanisms in SCD

Recruiting
EARLY_PHASE1Ages 55+InterventionalBasic science
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
~80 participants
Updated 2026-06-04 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Mecamylamine ChallengePlacebo Comparator Challenge

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Peak P1 amplitude for Orienting
Measured over After administration of second drug challenge, approximately 72 hours
Subjective Cognitive Decline
1 sites across 1 states
Tennessee1
  • Paul Newhouse, MD · STUDY_DIRECTOR · Vanderbilt University Medical Center

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  • Peak P1 amplitude for OrientingAfter administration of second drug challenge, approximately 72 hours

    Peak P1 amplitude in parietal regions for Orienting trials of the Attention Network Test (ANT) dyrung anticholinergic challenge