Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Cognitive Impairment

Last updated: December 4, 2024
Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Dementia

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Memory Loss

Treatment

2500 ppm Carbon Dioxide

600 ppm Carbon Dioxide

Clinical Study ID

NCT05292378
Pro2021001570
  • Ages 18-30
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The purpose of the study is to better understand the biological mechanisms of carbon dioxide (CO2)-induced cognitive impairments.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • History of COVID-19 vaccination

  • Weigh at least 110 pounds

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Colorblindness

  • Inability to hear verbal instructions

  • Cardiovascular disease, including a history of stroke

  • Diabetes requiring the use of insulin

  • Pregnancy

  • Current asthma (an asthma attack within the past five years)

  • Medications for or history of anxiety disorder diagnosis or panic attacks

  • Medications which may affect cognition such as beta-blockers and CNS depressants

Temporary Exclusion Criteria

  • Respiratory symptoms in the previous four weeks

  • Use of sedating cold/allergy medications in the previous week

  • Use of marijuana in the previous week

  • Consumption of alcohol in the previous 24 hours

Additional Exclusion Criteria for Subjects undergoing the fMRI scan:

  • History of head trauma or neurosurgery or neurological disorder

  • Ferrous metal implanted in or on the body, electrical devices such as a pacemaker,nonremovable ferrous jewelry

  • Surgical pins or plates above the neck

  • History of eye injury involving metallic materials, shavings in eyes, or weldingwithout a face mask

  • Lead or iron tatoos

  • Claustrophobia

  • Back problems that would prevent the subject from laying still comfortably for up to 90 minutes

Additional Exclusion Criteria for Subjects undergoing CAIM

  • Current or recent contact lens use

Study Design

Total Participants: 34
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: 2500 ppm Carbon Dioxide
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 14, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
June 01, 2025

Study Description

Participants will complete 2 study visits. Each study visit will consist of a 2.5-hour exposure session. Concentrations of CO2 during the exposure session will be either 600 ppm (control) or 2500 ppm (exposure). The order of the exposure sessions will be randomized and the exposure sessions will be at least one week apart. Up to two participants will take part in each exposure session.

During each exposure a neurobehavioral assessment (Strategic Management Simulations or SMS) will be administered. Venous blood (30 mL) will be collected from subjects immediately before entering the chamber and immediately after the exposure. A subset of subjects (n=12) will also undergo a 60-minute fMRI scan. Another subset of subjects (up to 10) will not complete the SMS during the exposures but will undergo computer-assisted intravital microscopy (CAIM) to exam the conjunctival microvasculature before and after the exposure.

Connect with a study center

  • Rutgers - EOHSI

    Piscataway, New Jersey 08854
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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