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.
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 Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
964
Low-intensity and safe, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of gradually modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
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Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Memory performance success (sham stimulation condition)
The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm
Time frame: During sham intervention
Memory performance success (active stimulation condition)
The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct unit) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm
Time frame: During active intervention
Memory performance speed (sham stimulation condition)
The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm
Time frame: During sham intervention
Memory performance speed (active stimulation condition)
The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm
Time frame: During active intervention
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