In this research study we want to learn more about the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on motivation, memory, and brain-network function in cognitively unimpaired older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. This study will use a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). rTMS will slightly alter activity in an area of your brain that controls cognition. Changes resulting from this stimulation will be measured with behavioral tests, as well as by taking brain images with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Participants will come in for one baseline visit followed by 10 days of daily rTMS study visits (Monday through Friday) and an evaluation visit. Then, there will be a 2-week break. After this break, they will return for another baseline visit, an additional 10 days of rTMS, and a final evaluation visit.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
80
All study participants will receive one block of ACTIVE rTMS. Each block will consist of daily sessions of active rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over ten days (Monday through Friday).
All study participants will receive one block of SHAM rTMS. Each block will consist of daily sessions of SHAM rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over ten days (Monday through Friday).
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
RECRUITINGChanges in motivation
This will be measured by ratings of grit on a 5-point scale using the Grit Scale (Duckworth, et al., 2007).
Time frame: Baseline and post-treatment Day 11
Changes in Brain Network Connectivity
This will include changes in resting-state functional connectivity measured with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Time frame: Baseline and post-treatment Day 11
Changes in Memory
This will be measured with an associative memory task
Time frame: Baseline and Post-Treatment Day 11
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