Mechanism of Gamma Oscillation Synchronization in the Prefrontal-hippocampal Circuit for Memory Dysfunction in Patients With White Matter Lesions of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Launched by XUANWU HOSPITAL, BEIJING · Jun 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how changes in the brain’s communication may cause memory problems in people with small blood vessel disease in the brain, which can lead to white matter damage. Specifically, the researchers are looking at how certain brain waves, called gamma oscillations, between two important memory areas—the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus—might be disrupted. By understanding this connection better, they hope to find new ways to predict and improve memory difficulties in these patients.

People who may join this study include adults with small vessel disease in the brain who have either normal thinking abilities or mild memory problems. Participants will take part in memory tests while their brain activity is recorded using special imaging and electrical measurements. The study will also explore a treatment method that uses gentle electrical stimulation to try to improve memory by fixing the disrupted brain waves. This research aims to help doctors better understand memory issues related to white matter damage and could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat these problems in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - Individuals with cerebral small vessel disease, normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment subjects;
• • Participants with complete demographic data, neuropsychiatric scale assessments, imaging data, and EEG data.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Severe aphasia, physical disability, or other conditions preventing completion of neuropsychological assessments;
• • History of cerebrovascular stroke with documented neurological deficits during onset and corresponding lesions on neuroimaging;
• • Neurological disorders that may cause cognitive impairment, including alcohol abuse, drug addiction, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, encephalitis, or normal-pressure hydrocephalus;
• • Systemic diseases potentially contributing to mild cognitive impairment (e.g., hepatic/renal insufficiency, endocrine disorders, vitamin deficiencies);
• • Current diagnosis of major depressive disorder or psychiatric disorders.