MedPath

Multimodal Investigation of Neural Plasticity

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Interventions
Device: active tDCS
Device: sham tDCS
Registration Number
NCT06453980
Lead Sponsor
University of Michigan
Brief Summary

This study will evaluate the effects of a form of non-invasive brain stimulation on brain functioning and memory in cognitively intact older adults (healthy controls, HC) and in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Detailed Description

The goal of this study is to learn important information about the effects of weak electrical stimulation (known as high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation or HD-tDCS) on brain functioning in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The findings will help determine how stimulation affects brain's activity and metabolism (in particular, the neurotransmitter glutamate). Ultimately, this information may help develop new treatments for those with Alzheimer's disease. The study will use different forms of brain imaging to see whether stimulation changes how the brain responds during a memory task. Functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (fMRS), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) will be used. The study also uses cognitive tests and questionnaires.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
80
Inclusion Criteria
  • Normal cognition for HC and diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) for MCI participants
  • Right-handedness
  • Magnetic resonance compatible, criteria that also apply for high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS; e.g., absence of metallic or electronic implants in the upper body or head)
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Exclusion Criteria
  • History of other contributing neurological or medical conditions known to affect cognitive functioning
  • Significant mental illness
  • Sensory impairments that limit ability to participate
  • History of alcohol or drug abuse/dependence
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
HC active tDCSactive tDCS3 milliAmp dose of HD-tDCS treatment for 20 minutes, for 1 session.
HC sham tDCSsham tDCSSham (placebo) dose of HD-tDCS treatment for 20 minutes, for 1 session.
MCI sham tDCSsham tDCSSham (placebo) dose of HD-tDCS treatment for 20 minutes, for 1 session.
MCI active tDCSactive tDCS3 milliAmp dose of HD-tDCS treatment for 20 minutes, for 1 session.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in glutamate concentration (fMRS)average on 1 week

Analyses via fMRS using units of concentration

Changes in brain activation (fMRI)average of 1 week

Analyses via fMRI using units of brain activation

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Changes in memory performanceaverage of 1 week

Analyses of memory performance indexed as percent accuracy

Changes in brain activation (fNIRS)immediate, concurrent with tDCS

Analyses via fNIRS using units of brain activation

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Michigan

🇺🇸

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

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