Improving Working Memory in Older Adults
Purpose
The research program will evaluate the theoretical claim that age-related memory and cognitive decline in humans result from the inefficient orchestration of rhythmic activity within large-scale cortical networks. The results will contribute to the basic science groundwork for developing future non-pharmacological interventions aimed at boosting memory and cognition in aging and clinical populations.
Condition
- Large-scale Physiological Foundations of Memory Decline in Aging Humans
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Between 18 Years and 80 Years
- Eligible Genders
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Criteria
The following general inclusion criteria apply to all subjects: must be between the ages of
68-80 (except for Experiment 1 where subjects must be between the ages of 18-30), have
normal or corrected-to-normal vision, color vision, nonpregnant, no metal implants in head,
no implanted electronic devices, no history of neurological problems or head injury, no
skin sensitivity, no claustrophobia, no dementia (normal Mini Mental State Examination
between 24-30; Montreal Cognitive Assessment > 25), no depression (normal Beck Depression
Inventory II <13; Geriatric Depression Scale < 10), and cannot be taking any psychoactive
medication.
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Basic Science
- Masking
- Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
Experimental active stimulation |
|
|
|
Sham Comparator sham stimulation |
|
Recruiting Locations
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Boston University Charles River Campus
Detailed Description
We hypothesize that aged-related memory and cognitive impairments emerge from large-scale functional dysconnectivity, and by stimulating the brain noninvasively with extremely weak levels of electrical current, we may be able to re-synchronize connectivity and stabilize or improve memory and cognitive function, measured behaviorally. The experiments of this project are proposed as between-subjects, sham-controlled, and double-blind in design, and use noninvasive electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements of rhythmic brain activity. The experimental intervention involves the application of low-intensity, high-definition, transcranial electrical current stimulation while subjects perform a variety of computer-based tasks that probe memory and cognitive function.