During the study, participants will complete a one-hour brain scan in an MRI scanner at the Health Science Campus of University of Southern California. While in the scanner, participants will be asked to rest for short periods of time as well as to complete two short cognitive tasks. The remaining time outside of the scanner will be spent completing computer-based cognitive tasks and questionnaires. The entire study will take three hours to complete and participants will receive a $75 VISA gift card for their time and effort. Parking on campus will also be covered for the day, if required. For more information, please contact the researchers (emotionattention.USC@gmail.com).
The purpose of the study is use brain imaging to advance knowledge surrounding cognitive and emotional functioning in Alzheimer’s disease. We are specifically interested in the locus coeruleus, a brain region that is involved in the physiological responses to stress and emotion and related to a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease.
The experiment will involve a single 3-hour session that will be completed at the Health Science Campus of USC and include the following: