Targeted Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Hippocampal-dependent Declarative Memory Abilities

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA · Jun 19, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new way to help improve memory using a technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This is a non-invasive method, meaning it doesn't involve surgery or any physical intrusion. The study is looking at how rTMS can boost memory in three groups of people: healthy young adults, healthy older adults, and older adults who have mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which is a condition that can lead to Alzheimer's disease. The researchers hope that this treatment will help "retune" the brain networks responsible for memory, potentially leading to better memory abilities for all participants.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 19 years old and be right-handed. Healthy adults should not have any serious medical or mental health conditions, while those with aMCI must have a formal diagnosis of that condition. Participants will be asked to sit comfortably during the rTMS sessions and follow simple instructions. The study is currently recruiting a total of 48 people, so if you or someone you know might be interested in helping advance memory research, this could be a great opportunity!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• The investigators anticipate enrolling 48 subjects total:
• • 16 healthy young adults (age 19-35)
• • 16 healthy older adults (demographically matched to aMCI group for age, sex, and educational attainment)
• • 16 older adults diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI)
• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adults 19 years of age and older
• • 2. Healthy adults without history of psychiatric or neurological disease OR previous diagnosis of amnestic MCI
• • 3. Must be able to provide informed consent
• • 4. Must have the ability to comply with basic instructions and have the ability to sit comfortably still for TMS, neuroimaging, and other study procedures.
• • 5. Right-handed based on self-report (pre-screening) and evaluation with a standard test.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Individuals who have ferrous metal implanted in their body (other than in their teeth) or any other non-removable medical and/or metallic implant
• • 2. Individuals who have increased intracranial pressure
• • 3. Individuals who have any major medical illness (e.g., cancer, HIV+, hepatitis, heart disease)
• • 4. Individuals who have confounding/dual diagnoses (e.g., comorbid mental illness and substance use disorder)
• • 5. Individuals with current diagnoses of alcohol or substance abuse/dependence
• • 6. Individuals with epilepsy, any history of seizures, or using medication that lowers seizure threshold
• • 7. Individuals with any neurological disorder other than aMCI (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury)
• • 8. Pregnant females --- as determined by urine pregnancy test --- will be excluded from this study due to uncertainty of the effects of MRI and TMS on the fetus
• • 9. Not right-handed based on self-report (pre-screening) or evaluation with a standard test
• • 10. Not a native English speaker.