Improving Working Memory in Older Adults

Not Applicable

Active, not recruiting

• Conditions: Large-scale Physiological Foundations of Memory Decline in Aging Humans
• Interventions: Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation

• Registration Number: NCT04362696
• Lead Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus

Brief Summary

The research program will evaluate the theoretical claim that age-related memory and cognitive decline in humans result from the inefficient orchestration of rhythmic activity within large-scale cortical networks. The results will contribute to the basic science groundwork for developing future non-pharmacological interventions aimed at boosting memory and cognition in aging and clinical populations.

Detailed Description

We hypothesize that aged-related memory and cognitive impairments emerge from large-scale functional dysconnectivity, and by stimulating the brain noninvasively with extremely weak levels of electrical current, we may be able to re-synchronize connectivity and stabilize or improve memory and cognitive function, measured behaviorally. The experiments of this project are proposed as between-subjects, sham-controlled, and double-blind in design, and use noninvasive electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements of rhythmic brain activity. The experimental intervention involves the application of low-intensity, high-definition, transcranial electrical current stimulation while subjects perform a variety of computer-based tasks that probe memory and cognitive function.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2019-09-01
• Study First Submitted: 2020-04-21
• Study First Submitted QC: 2020-04-22
• Study First Posted: 2020-04-27
• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-03
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-05
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-30
• Study Completion: 2025-04-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 570

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
active stimulation	High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation	-
sham stimulation	High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation	-

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Memory performance success (active stimulation condition)	During active intervention	The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct unit) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm
Memory performance speed (sham stimulation condition)	During sham intervention	The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm
Memory performance success (sham stimulation condition)	During sham intervention	The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm
Memory performance speed (active stimulation condition)	During active intervention	The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

677 Beacon St. Room 308; 🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts, United States