Causal Role of Brain Networks in Episodic Memory

Launched by BOSTON COLLEGE · May 10, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to understand how specific parts of the brain help us remember personal experiences, known as episodic memory. Researchers will use a technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to gently influence brain activity in areas believed to be important for memory. By combining this stimulation with behavioral tests and brain imaging (MRI), the study aims to learn more about how different brain regions work together when we recall memories.

To participate, you need to be between 18 and 35 years old, fluent in English, and right-handed. It’s important to be in good health, without major neurological or psychiatric issues. If you join the study, you can expect to undergo some non-invasive tests, including TMS and MRI scans, while researchers observe how these might affect your memory. Keep in mind that there are specific health conditions and recent experiences (like certain medications or surgeries) that could disqualify you from participating, so it's best to check if you meet all the eligibility criteria.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Ages 18 to 35 years old
• • Fluent in English
• • Free of major neurological or psychiatric illness
• • Right-handed
• • Normal or corrected to normal vision
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of a psychiatric illness within the past two years
• • History of a learning disorder (e.g., attention deficit disorder, dyslexia)
• • History of neurological disorder or brain injury, including family history of epilepsy, convulsions or seizures, stroke; vascular, traumatic, tumoral, infectious, or metabolic lesion of the brain, even without a history of seizure, and without anticonvulsant medication, and any unexplained lifetime loss of consciousness/syncope
• • Use of medications that reduce seizure threshold (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptic agents)
• • History of neurosurgery
• • History of heart disease
• • Recreational drug use in the past two months
• • Uncontrollable shaking, or inability to sit/lie still for one hour
• • Evidence of neurological disorders or structural abnormalities, based on MRI
• • Pregnancy
• • Prior surgeries, conditions, and/or implants that are not MRI-safe, including: pacemaker, pacemaker wires, artificial heart valve, brain aneurysm surgery, middle ear implant, non-removable hearing aids, braces, or extensive dental work, implanted mechanical or electrical device, artificial limb or joint
• • Foreign metallic objects in the body, such as bullets, BBs, shrapnel, or metalwork fragments
• • History of metal work or ocular metallic foreign bodies
• • History of uncontrolled migraines or susceptibility to headaches
• • Use of centrally-acting medications and drugs, with the exception of caffeine, within the last 12 hours
• • Concurrent treatment with ototoxic medications
• • Current sleep deprivation, extreme fatigue, or recent jet lag
• • Claustrophobia
• • Pre-existing noise induced hearing loss
• • Any prior adverse experience (e.g. physical or psychological discomfort) with repetitive TMS or MRI scanning