Tdcs And cogNitive traininG cOmbined for AUD (TANGO)
University of Minnesota
Summary
The overarching goal of this project is to expand the traditional expertise in non-invasive neuromodulation at the University of Minnesota towards developing novel paired-neuromodulation approaches using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for new treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) that support long-term abstinence. This study will allow the investigators to discern whether the pairing of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) stimulation and cognitive training can lead to improved treatment outcomes as it pertains to executive functioning and maintenance of abstinence. This paired-neuromodulation approach can potentially be used as a therapeutic intervention to decrease relapse probability in addiction. The long-term goal is to develop new addiction treatments that support long-term abstinence. The exploratory goal of this research is to associate genotypes and epigenetic changes with variations in intervention response and clinical outcome. Individual differences in baseline genetic profiles or epigenetic changes over the course of treatment could be associated with treatment response variability.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic criteria for AUD * Abstinent from alcohol use * Must have the intention to remain in the Lodging Plus program until the end of the intervention portion of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Any medical condition or treatment with neurological sequelae (i.e. stroke, tumor, loss of consciousness\>30 min, HIV) * A head injury resulting in a skull fracture or a loss of consciousness exceeding 30 minutes (i.e., moderate or severe TBI) * Any contraindications for tDCS or MRI scanning (tDCS contraindicati…
Interventions
- DeviceTaskFlow Transcranial Electrical Stimulation device
The TaskFlow Transcranial Electrical Stimulation device (TaskFlow-TES) is a custom brain stimulation device developed in-house at the University of Minnesota. Each tDCS intervention will last 20 minutes of either (i) 10 active (2-mA) or (ii) 5 active and 5 sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the course of 10 treatment sessions.
- BehavioralExecutive Function Focused Cognitive Training
Working memory focused training occurs on a computer and consists of a variety of exercises selected to (i) place demands on the executive and storage functions of working memory (ii) adapt to challenge the participant's current ability level, (iii) provide ongoing feedback, and (iv) present novel stimuli across verbal, visual and spatial modalities. Training tasks are developed in-house. Tasks for each participant are delivered from and responses, audio, and video are stored on the HST server. The aim of using multiple tasks that require executive functions is to engage brain network functional connectivity in a number of different ways to promote generalization. Investigators will monitor each participant's training and customize the intervention to balance challenge and engagement. In addition, pre- and post-intervention, participants will perform 4-minute versions of a word and a spatial 3-back task identical across all weeks (but differing from the assessment versions).
Location
- University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota