Social Disconnection Study

This study is looking at how social connection affects the brain. Researchers want to understand the link between social isolation, loneliness, and the density of synapses (connections between brain cells) using PET scans with a special tracer called [18F]SDM-8. To join, you must be 55 or older, able to speak English, and give written consent. You cannot have certain conditions that would prevent an MRI scan, like claustrophobia or metal in your body. The study will measure social disconnection and SV2A density (a marker for synapses) over about one year. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is an observational study planning to enroll 100 participants. It is not a treatment study but rather observes existing conditions.
What's involved
You would have an MRI or fMRI scan, a PET scan, an MRS scan, an EEG, and follow-up phone calls every 3 months for 9 months, plus an in-person visit at 1 year.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
You will have follow-up phone calls for 9 months and an in-person follow-up appointment 1 year after your scans.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT06705348

Social Disconnection Study

Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 55+Observational
Yale University
~100 participants
Updated 2026-08-14 on ClinicalTrials.gov

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Social disconnection
Measured over enrollment to end of study participation (approximately 1 year)
+1 more outcome measured
Social Disconnection
1 sites across 1 states
Connecticut1
  • Irina Esterlis, Ph.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Yale University

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

able to give written informed consent
age 55+
English speaking

Exclusion

contraindication to MRI scanning including claustrophobia, high girth, moderate to significant white matter atrophy, and presence of ferromagnetic material in the body, including orthodontic braces or other non MR-compatible foreign bodies. All participants will be screened for metal objects by the same methods used for routine clinical MRI scanning
for women: pregnancy or breastfeeding
serious medical or neurological illness that in the opinion of the PI would interfere with the scientific goals of the study or participant safety
pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) or primary psychotic disorders
meet DSM-5 criteria for current severe substance use disorder (except marijuana or nicotine)
head injury that led to significant long term decline in cognitive abilities as seen by decline in grades or work performance
current psychosis, active significant suicidal (score of 6 on MADRS suicide item) or homicidal ideation
lifetime history of neurologic abnormality including seizure disorder, cerebrovascular, or neoplastic lesion, neurodegenerative disorder, or significant head trauma resulting in post-traumatic amnesia \>24 hours
full scale IQ lower than 70
contraindications to PET (e.g. poor venous access for placement of venous lines)
history of prior radiation exposure for research purposes within the past year such that participation in this study would place them over FDA limits for annual radiation exposure. This guideline is an effective dose of 5 rem received per year
history of a bleeding disorder or currently taking anticoagulants (such as Coumadin, Heparin, Pradaxa, Xarelto) \*for subjects obtaining arterial line.
blood donation within 8 weeks of the start of the study
REM sleep disorder
brain injury (TBI, seizure/epilepsy, stroke, TIA) in lifetime (self-report and medical chart review)
electroconvulsive or ketamine therapy, or similar therapies that have rapid effects on brain neurochemistry within the past 6 months
high risk for stroke (above first quartile on Framingham Stroke Risk Profile)
current cancer
  • Social disconnectionenrollment to end of study participation (approximately 1 year)

    Social disconnection composite measure determined by the following: Item #3 - Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (social withdrawal; range = 0-4) Item #12 - Beck Depression Inventory-II (loss of interest in people; range = 0-3) Item #14 - Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (feelings of loneliness; range = 0-3) Item #2 - Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (enjoyment being with family or close friends; range = 0-1) Item #7 - Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (enjoyment seeing other people's smiling faces; range = 0-1) Item #17 - Profile of Mood States (loneliness; range = 0-4) Higher composite score = greater severity of social disconnection.

  • SV2A densityenrollment to end of study participation (approximately 1 year)

    SV2A density as measured using \[18F\]SDM8 PET imaging.