Face Perception vs. Memory Training to Improve Face Recognition in Developmental Prosopagnosia

Description

The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of two experimental training programs aimed at improving face processing in developmental prosopagnosia (perception training, memory training) in comparison to an active control. The investigators will use a longitudinal design and randomize developmental prosopagnosics to three parallel arms: active control, perception training and memory training.

Conditions

Developmental Prosopagnosia

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of two experimental training programs aimed at improving face processing in developmental prosopagnosia (perception training, memory training) in comparison to an active control. The investigators will use a longitudinal design and randomize developmental prosopagnosics to three parallel arms: active control, perception training and memory training.

Examining the Effectiveness of Face Perception and Memory Training to Improve Face Recognition in Developmental Prosopagnosia

Face Perception vs. Memory Training to Improve Face Recognition in Developmental Prosopagnosia

Condition
Developmental Prosopagnosia
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Boston

VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02130

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Aged 18-90
  • * Have lifelong histories of face recognition difficulties that impact everyday life (i.e., not associated with some event such as a stroke, seizure, etc)
  • * Score \> 2 standard deviations below the mean on the famous faces test and Cambridge Face Memory Test. This is in line with our previous studies and others in the literature.
  • * History of a significant neurological disorder including hydrocephalus, stroke, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe neuromuscular diseases, or severe hypoxia due to cardiac arrest.
  • * Participants with a history of mild TBI or simple concussion will not be excluded as long as it was \> 6 months ago and as long as they have not had repeated concussions (\>5).
  • * Participants will be excluded if they have impairments that interfere with cognitive performance, such as uncorrected hearing or vision, lack of English proficiency, musculoskeletal or other issues.
  • * Additionally, participants will be excluded if they have psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, chronic intractable obsessive-compulsive disorder, or agoraphobia.
  • * Participants with a diagnosis of ADHD will be included as long as their medication has been consistent for the past 6 months.
  • * Participants who are currently dependent on alcohol or other substances will be excluded, as this may negatively impact cognitive performance.
  • * Participants who currently are, or within the last 6 months, participating in a behavioral or pharmacological intervention will be excluded.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Boston VA Research Institute, Inc.,

Joseph DeGutis, Ph.D., PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Harvard Medical School/VA Boston Healthcare Systems

Study Record Dates

2025-02-21