Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation to Enhance Cognition in Healthy Participants

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM · Feb 10, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new technique called transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) to see if it can improve cognitive abilities, specifically visual working memory, in healthy adults. Researchers want to understand how this method affects brain activity during and after the stimulation and will use brain wave monitoring (EEG) to track any changes. The trial is currently looking for participants aged 18 to 55 who are healthy and do not have any history of neurological or psychiatric disorders.

If you're eligible and decide to join, you'll undergo a safe brain scan (MRI) to help guide the stimulation. The study will require you to follow a schedule and complete some cognitive tests. You'll need to be fluent in English, right-handed, and avoid recreational drugs and excess alcohol before your participation. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, like a history of seizures, head trauma, or specific brain issues, won't be able to participate. This trial offers a chance to contribute to research that may enhance cognitive function, and all procedures will be conducted with participant safety and comfort in mind.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age: 18-55years
• • Healthy adults with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders
• • Eligible to undergo a T1-weighted MRI scan for tFUS neuronavigational purposes
• • Ability to adhere to the tFUS study schedule and complete all assessments
• • Right-handed
• • Fluent in English
• • Abstinence from the use of any recreational drugs in the 48-hour period prior to taking part in the experiment.
• • Abstinence from consuming no more than 4 alcoholic units within the 24-hour period before participation.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any current psychiatric diagnosis
• • Neurodevelopmental disorders; history of central nervous system disease, concussion, or other neurological sequelae; presence of tumors, seizures, meningitis, encephalitis, or any abnormal MRI findings of the brain
• • Use of any psychotropic medications within five half-lives before the procedure
• • Presence of metal implants contraindicated for MRI
• • History of head trauma with loss of consciousness
• • Calcification in sonicated parts of the brain.
• • Visual impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses
• • Inability to complete cognitive testing requirements
• • Active participation or plans for enrollment in other clinical trials that may impact psychosocial functioning
• • History of repeated substance abuse or dependence (excluding nicotine and caffeine); use of medications such as stimulants, modafinil, thyroid medication, or steroids
• • No skin disease on or close to the scalp.
• • History of seizure or epilepsy; use of medications that lower seizure thresholds
• • Claustrophobia or any other condition precluding MRI assessment
• • Pregnancy or breastfeeding