Improving Working Memory in Older Adults
Study Details
Study Description
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.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
N/A |
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.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| 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.
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- 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
Eligibility Criteria
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.
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 677 Beacon St. Room 308 | Boston | Massachusetts | United States | 02215 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- Boston University Charles River Campus
Investigators
None specified.Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- 4230E