Links Between Self-awareness and Sociocognitive Processes in Neurodegenerative Diseases
This study, called SELFSOC, aims to understand the connection between how well people with specific types of dementia — behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) — understand themselves and their social interactions. It uses computer-based tasks, like recognising facial expressions, to see how people judge their own performance. The researchers want to find out if there are differences in self-awareness and social understanding between these two conditions. In short, it’s about how individuals with these conditions think about their own thinking and their ability to pick up on social cues. This could help us better understand these brain diseases.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is looking into an important area: how people with certain types of dementia understand their own thoughts and feelings, especially when it comes to social situations. It focuses on two specific conditions: behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
The main idea is to explore how aware people are of their own social understanding. For example, can someone recognise an emotion on a face, and do they know how well they did on that task? This is called 'self-awareness' or 'metacognition' – thinking about your own thinking. The study uses computer tasks where participants will identify emotions from faces and then say how confident they are in their answers.
By carefully comparing people with bvFTD and AD, researchers hope to learn if there are differences in how these conditions affect self-awareness in social settings. This could help doctors better understand the challenges people face and potentially lead to more targeted support in the future.
Key takeaways
- This study explores self-awareness and social understanding in dementia.
- It focuses on behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
- Participation involves two visits, each about two hours, using computer tasks.
- No new medicines or treatments are given.
- Your involvement helps researchers better understand these conditions.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged between 50 and 80 years old. You might be suitable if you have a confirmed diagnosis of either behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) or Alzheimer's disease. You'll also need to have a certain level of thinking ability, as measured by a common memory test, and be able to read and write in French.
However, some things would mean you can't join. For instance, if your language difficulties are very severe, or if you have other brain conditions like epilepsy or other types of dementia. Also, if you have certain mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or severe depression, or if you have visual problems that can't be corrected, you wouldn't be able to take part. The researchers will also check if you can use a computer for the study tasks.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 50 and 80 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) or Alzheimer's disease?
- Can you read and write in French well enough to follow task instructions?
- Can you use a computer for simple tasks?
- Do you have good enough vision to see a computer screen (even with glasses)?
- Do you NOT have severe language problems or other serious neurological or psychiatric conditions?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, you would visit the study centre twice. Both visits will last about two hours each. During your first visit, the study team will check if you meet all the requirements, collect some general information about you, and you'll complete a computer task where you recognise emotions from faces and say how confident you are. At your second visit, you'll do more computer tasks that look at how you understand others' thoughts and feelings, and how your memory works. There's also an optional task to look at how open you are to suggestions. No new medications or treatments are given as part of this study.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Cognitive Neurology Center, Lariboisière-Fernand Widal Hospital Group, APHPVerified postcodeParis, France· Recruiting
Common questions
What kind of computer tasks will I do?
You'll be asked to look at facial expressions and identify emotions, and also judge how confident you feel about your answers. Other tasks will check how you understand social situations and your memory.
Will I receive any new medicine or treatment?
No, this study does not involve giving any new medicines or treatments. It's purely about understanding more about dementia.
How long will I need to be at the study centre?
You will have two visits, and each visit will take about two hours. So, roughly four hours in total over two separate days.
What happens if I change my mind about participating?
You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.
Who is funding this study?
The information provided suggests this is a 'monocentric' study, meaning it is likely funded by an institution or grant associated with a single research centre. Specific external funding sources are not detailed here.
How to find out more
Emmanuel Cognat, MD PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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