Background: Neurocognitive disorders affect how the brain uses oxygen. They may affect mental development in children. These disorders can be studied with imaging scans that use radiation; however, these methods are not ideal for research on children. Two technologies-functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS)-use light to detect changes in brain activity. These methods are safer, and they can be used in a more relaxed setting. In this natural history study, researchers want to find out whether fNIRS and DCS can be a good way to study people with neurocognitive disorders. Objective: To find out whether fNIRS and DCS can be useful in measuring brain activity in people with neurocognitive disorders. Eligibility: People aged 6 months or older with neurocognitive disorders. These can include Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1); creatine transporter deficiency (CTD); Smith Lemli Opitz syndrome (SLOS); juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN3 disease); and Pheland-McDermid (PMS) syndrome. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will have a physical exam. They will have tests of their memory and thinking. Participants will sit in a quiet room for the fNIRS and DCS tests. A snug cap (like a cloth swim cap) will be placed on their head. The cap has lights and sensors. Another sensor will be placed on their forehead. Participants will perform tasks on a computer. This testing will take 45 to 60 minutes. The tests will be repeated within 1 to 4 weeks. Participants will be asked to return for repeat tests 1 year later.
Age range
6 Months – 110 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Proportion of individuals who complete the study relative to those in which data collection was attempted
Timeframe: 2 years
Adverse events
Timeframe: 2 years