Neurocognitive Disorder clinical trials at University of California Health

The goal of this study is to investigate whether Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) targeting a part of the brain involved in memory will have an affect on brain activity and whether it may improve memory in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease. The main questions the study seeks to answer are: 1. Can LIFUP increase brain activity in the targeted area? 2. Can LIFUP improve memory in people with MCI and mild AD? 3. Can LIFUP improve connectivity of memory networks in the brain? Participants in this study will complete MRIs and memory testing, and receive Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound to a part of their brain involved in memory (the entorhinal cortex).

The purpose of this study is to examine the mechanisms of brain injury contributing to postoperative neurocognitive disorders (PNCD) in an at-risk population (obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)) undergoing surgery. The investigators will enroll 50 OSA patients scheduled for surgery. All patients will have a brain scan (fMRI) within five days before surgery and two days and six months after surgery. During this visit cognitive function will be assessed using the Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML2) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) tests. Patients will also be asked to participate in a blood draw during the first 2 visits for fMRI (within five days of surgery and two days after surgery). The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM-S) test, will be used to examine postoperative delirium.