Memory Disorders in Old Age
Conditions
Keywords
aged-related memory, cognitive decline, transcranial electrical current stimulation
Brief summary
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.
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.
Interventions
Low-intensity and safe, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of gradually modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
Sponsors
Boston University Charles River Campus
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Memory performance success (sham stimulation condition) | During sham intervention | The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm |
| Memory performance success (active stimulation condition) | During active intervention | The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct unit) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm |
| Memory performance speed (sham stimulation condition) | During sham intervention | The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm |
| Memory performance speed (active stimulation condition) | During active intervention | The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm |
Countries
United States
Contacts
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORRobert MG Reinhart, PhD
Boston University Charles River Campus
Outcome results
None listed