Plain-English translation of NCT03896529 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
Researchers want to understand why some older adults have more trouble with memory and planning routes to places, and how stress makes this worse. This study uses virtual reality navigation tasks and brain scans to see how the brain plans ahead and responds to stress. You'll be placed in a realistic virtual environment and asked to navigate to goal locations while your brain activity is measured.
Memory and navigation problems are common in aging, and stress can make them worse. However, not everyone experiences these changes the same way. This study aims to discover which brain differences explain why some people are more affected by stress and age-related decline than others.
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You will visit Georgia Tech for group testing sessions. During the study, you'll wear a virtual reality headset and navigate through computer-generated environments to reach goal locations. Half of the participants will complete these tasks in a calm setting, while the other half will perform them while expecting a mild electrical shock (though the actual shock may not occur). Your brain activity will be recorded during these tasks using an MRI scanner. The study is designed to understand how your brain plans navigation and responds to stress.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 11, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States