What is this research all about?
This project explores the effects of memantine, a non-competitive
NMDA receptor antagonist, on alcoholism risk- relevant tasks. More
specifically, it examines 4 functional MRI tasks related to different
aspects of reward and/or impulsivity-related behavior in different
contexts, compares the underlying neural circuitry across tasks, and
uses a pharmacologic probe of the glutamatergic system to examine NMDA/DA
interactions.
Who can participate?
The source of subjects for this project will be college students who
have participated or are currently participating in Dr. Pearlson's
4-year, NIAAA-funded Brain and Alcohol Research in College Students (BARCS)
study (recruited from Trinity College and Central Connecticut State
University).
What does
participation involve?
Qualified participants will complete:
- an
interview with trained staff
-
neuropsychological testing, which consists of tests that measure
cognitive abilities
-
questionnaires about a variety of things
- a safe
and non-invasive fMRI scan
- a safe
and non-invasive EEG
- a
non-invasive saliva sample for genetic testing
These
activities occur on 2 testing days, and take approximately 8 hours per
day to complete.
What do I
get out of this?
Participants will help us advance our understanding of brain function in
those with and without family histories of alcoholism. Participants are
given $20 an hour for the time that they participate, plus additional
small amounts of money for scoring well on some of the tasks.
Who can I
call with questions?
If you are a student from either Trinity College or Central Connecticut
State University and previously participated in the BARCS study, you can
contact Rachel Kelly at (860) 545-7179 or
rjiantonio@harthosp.com.
She will be able to answer any questions you have or schedule you for
your study visit.