MedPath

Induction and Stabilization of Gamma Oscillations With 40 Hz External Brain Stimulation

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Alzheimer Disease
Working Memory
EEG Brain Oscillations
Registration Number
NCT06680154
Lead Sponsor
The National Brain Mapping Laboratory (NBML)
Brief Summary

The goal of the present studies is to develop and validate novel stimulation protocols for the entrainment of gamma oscillations, which are associated with many cognitive functions and critically involved in cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's disease. In this proposal, combination of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which has been shown effective for the induction, and stabilisation of alpha and theta frequencies in our forgoing studies, will be adopted to the gamma frequency range and applied on prefrontal regions as well as model-based cortical areas to enhance and stabilize gamma oscillations, thereby facilitating cognition

Detailed Description

Neuropsychiatric disorders are a leading cause of global disability-adjusted life years, and treatment solutions are lacking. Recent findings suggest that non-invasive brain stimulation may be a valuable option in conditions such as epilepsy or Alzheimer's disease (AD). Still, a better understanding of mechanisms and patient-specific factors is needed. Personalized hybrid brain models uniting the physics of electromagnetism with physiology - NeuroTwins (NeTs) - are poised to play a fundamental role in understanding and optimizing the effects of stimulation at the individual level. The purpose of this project is to deliver solutions through model-driven, individualized therapy. A computational framework - weaved and validated across scales and levels of detail - will be proposed to represent the mechanisms of interaction of electric fields with brain networks and assimilate neuroimaging data. This will allow us to characterize the dynamical landscape of the individual brain and define strategies to restore healthy dynamics. The work package, which will take place at IfADo, is part of the consortium collaborating with labs across Europe and USA, aiming to validate and optimize the realistic hybrid brain models developed by NeTs. The targeted subject groups of the IfADo project will be healthy young and old participants. Non-invasive brain stimulation including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcranial alternating current stimulation will be applied with electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy as outcome measures. The results are to be translated into a technology pipeline for the design of new personalized neuromodulation protocols which will further be tested in a cohort of AD patients by another clinical consortium member, delivering model-driven breakthroughs in basic and clinical neuroscience, with patients ultimately benefiting from safe, individualized therapy solutions.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
30
Inclusion Criteria
  • normal or corrected to normal eye vision
  • right-handed
  • non-smokers
  • being 18-60 years old
  • providing written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • history of neurological or psychiatric disorders including seizures or epilepsy,
  • Taking CNS medication
  • having metal implants
  • current pregnancy

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Working Memory behavioral performanceDuring procedure (20 minutes)

Participants view a continuous sequence of alphabet letters, presented as stimuli in Arial font, size 120pt, on a tube screen positioned at 60cm eye distance. The stimuli are shown with a time interval of two seconds between them. The task consisted of six blocks with 70 stimuli, including 12 possible hit trials. Participants were instructed to press the left key on a response box if the presented stimulus matched either the one presented one trial prior (1-Back) or three trials prior (3-Back). In all other cases, participants press the right key. The left button is pressed with the index finger, while the right button is pressed with the middle finger of the right hand, with buttons aligned horizontally. The response condition varied by block, with three blocks for 3-Back and three for 1-Back, and the order was counterbalanced across participants and sessions.

electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillatory powerup to 2 hours after the intervention

Change in the EEG power in alpha, delta, theta and beta bands

electroencephalogram (EEG) functional connectivityup to 2 hours after the intervention

Change in EEG functional connectivity, specifically global efficiency, coherence, and phase-locking value.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Leibniz-Institut für Arbeitsforschung

🇩🇪

Dortmund, NRW, Germany

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