Understanding Brain Mechanisms Involved in Autobiographical Memory Using High-density Electroencephalography and Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Mild Cognitive Impairment
- Sponsor
- Lucie Bréchet
- Enrollment
- 120
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Spatiotemporal dynamic changes measured with electroencephalography (hdEEG)
- Status
- Recruiting
- Last Updated
- 9 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The overall objective of this project is to characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of brain oscillations underpinning autobiographical memory (ABM) and the modulation of the memory network using non-invasive brain stimulation.
Detailed Description
Accumulating evidence suggests that activity in distributed networks supporting ABM is altered even decades before the expected onset of clinical symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Robust network alterations associated with age-related memory and cognitive decline have been linked to abnormal oscillatory brain rhythmic activity and functional dysconnectivity. However, the detailed neural mechanisms are still poorly understood. The investigators propose to precisely characterize the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms that lead to behavioral and cognitive disturbances in ABM of MCI patients. Specifically, hdEEG will be used to characterize the sources and spatiotemporal dynamics of the neuronal activity involved in the ABM network of 40 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients and compare it to 40 age-matched, older healthy participants and 40 healthy young participants. The investigators will then apply non-invasive brain stimulation in the form of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to gain novel insights into the causal role of brain oscillations in the ABM network of MCI patients.
Investigators
Lucie Bréchet
Dr.
University of Geneva, Switzerland
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Cognitively-Unimpaired Younger and Older Adults
- •Age 18 to 35 years old (younger adults)
- •Age 55+ years old (older adults)
- •without any cognitive impairment (based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: MoCA)
- •willing and capable to give informed consent for participation in the study after it has been thoroughly explained able
- •willing to comply with all study requirements informed consent form was signed
- •Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients
- •Age 55+ years old
- •Clinical Diagnosis of MCI
- •Confirmation of diagnosis will be made by the study MD based on a holistic consideration of the participant's cognitive evaluation and history
Exclusion Criteria
- •Cognitively-Unimpaired Younger and Older Adults
- •any cognitive impairment captured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) - score \< 26
- •major psychiatric co-morbidity including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, or psychosis
- •blindness or other disabilities that prevent task performance
- •Contraindication for undergoing MRI
- •Any metal in the brain or skull (excluding dental fillings) or elsewhere in the body unless cleared by the responsible covering MD (e.g. MRI compatible joint replacement)
- •Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients
- •Age \< 55 years old
- •Any current diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder)
- •Other than MCI, any history of other progressive or genetic neurologic disorder (e.g. Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, tubular sclerosis) or acquired neurological disease (e.g. stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumor), including intracranial lesions
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Spatiotemporal dynamic changes measured with electroencephalography (hdEEG)
Time Frame: up to 30 minutes
Changes in spatiotemporal dynamics in different frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta, gamma) will be assessed with hdEEG
Cognitive Assessment
Time Frame: baseline
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) will be administered to characterize the cognitive status