Print

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

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 18 Years and 80 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Inclusion Criteria

  • For Experiment 1, 18-30 years - For Experiment 2, 60-80 years - Normal or corrected-to-normal vision - Has color vision.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Metal implants in the head - Implanted electronic devices - A history of neurological problems or head injury - Skin sensitivity - Claustrophobia - Dementia [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 23 or lower; Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of <26) - Depression [Beck Depression Inventory II score of 14 or higher; Geriatric Depression Scale score of 10 or higher] - 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

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
active stimulation
  • Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation
    Low-intensity and safe, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of gradually modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
Sham Comparator
sham stimulation
  • Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation
    Low-intensity and safe, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of gradually modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

More Details

Status
Completed
Sponsor
Boston University Charles River Campus

Study Contact

Detailed Description

The investigators 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, it may be possible 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.

Notice

Study information shown on this site is derived from ClinicalTrials.gov (a public registry operated by the National Institutes of Health). The listing of studies provided is not certain to be all studies for which you might be eligible. Furthermore, study eligibility requirements can be difficult to understand and may change over time, so it is wise to speak with your medical care provider and individual research study teams when making decisions related to participation.