Inflammation's Impact on Reward Response in Aging and Anxiety
(ARIA Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to use an experimental inflammatory challenge to examine whether older adults with symptoms of anxiety experience loss of pleasure or loss of motivation when they are exposed to inflammation. Loss of pleasure or loss of motivation will be evaluated using self-report questionnaires, computer tasks, and during a brain scan.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking certain medications. The trial excludes participants who currently use prescription medications like steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, and several others. You must not have used these medications in the last 6 months.
Is the treatment generally safe for humans?
How does this treatment differ from other treatments for inflammation's impact on reward response in aging and anxiety?
This treatment is unique because it explores the role of inflammation in altering motivation and reward sensitivity, potentially using minocycline to target microglia (immune cells in the brain) to modulate these effects. Unlike traditional treatments that may not address the inflammatory component, this approach focuses on the underlying neuroimmune mechanisms that affect reward processing.12567
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for inflammation's impact on reward response in aging and anxiety?
The research suggests that inflammation affects motivation and reward processing in the brain, which is linked to psychiatric symptoms like anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure). Although no specific treatment is mentioned, understanding these mechanisms could help develop therapies targeting inflammation to improve motivation and reward response.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Chloe C Boyle, PHD
Principal Investigator
University of California, Los Angeles
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 60-80, with or without anxiety. Participants must be in good health and not have severe chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, uncontrolled medical conditions, a BMI over 35, or use certain medications like steroids or anti-inflammatories. They can't have a history of serious psychiatric issues or current sleep disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Visit 1
In-person evaluation including clinical interviews, questionnaires, and computer tasks to assess motivation and sensitivity to reward
Visit 2
Administration of endotoxin vs. placebo, repeated blood sampling, mood and symptom questionnaires, and a brain scan
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for physical and mood symptoms post-treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- N/A
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator