Synaptic Imaging for Health Behaviors (app311_med Trial)

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byDavid Matuskey, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Yale University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?To utilize positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to characterize the distribution of (aka \[11C\]APP311at the Yale PET Center) in cortical and subcortical areas in experienced meditators compared to non-meditating controls.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy adults aged 28-70 who have practiced meditation regularly for at least 10 years and accumulated over 5,000 hours. They must be non-lactating, not pregnant, and willing to use contraception if of child-bearing potential. People with substance dependence, bleeding disorders, certain medication use or excessive prior radiation exposure cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 28 and 70 years old.

I am physically healthy based on recent medical exams.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a bleeding disorder or am taking blood thinners.

Treatment Details

The study uses PET imaging to compare brain activity related to synaptic density in experienced meditators versus non-meditators using a radiotracer called [11C]APP311. The goal is to observe differences in cortical and subcortical areas between the two groups.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Aim 1Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

A PET study of the novel SV2A imaging tracer \[11C\]UCB-J in participants, to characterize the distribution of \[11C\]UCB-J in cortical and subcortical areas in experienced meditators compared to non-meditating controls. Subjects will undergo one PET scan with \[11C\]UCB-J and one MRI scan for anatomical identification of brain regions.