Acute Exposure of Individuals With Down Syndrome to Gamma Frequency Stimulation
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Summary
Down Syndrome (DS) is characterized by an additional copy of chromosome 21, which also increases risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The investigators' lab found a non-invasive way to remove toxic proteins from the brain in AD mouse models. Remarkably, treated mice also have improved memory on behavioral testing. The investigators then translated this non-invasive method, which uses light and sound to stimulate the brain, to be used in mild Alzheimer's patients and cognitively normal adults. The investigators have also translated this research into a vibrating speaker device to study tactile vibration to stimulate the brain as well. For the present study, 30 participants with Down Syndrome and 30 cognitively normal adult controls will be recruited, and the investigators will assess their brain waves with electroencephalogram (EEG) during light, sound, and tactile stimulation. The investigators will also test for safety, feasibility, and cognitive performance before and after a 30-60 minute session of light and sound stimulation to optimize the stimulation devices for use in the DS population.
Description
The hallmark sign of Down Syndrome (DS) is an additional copy of chromosome 21, which is also a risk factor of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Given the significantly increased likelihood of developing AD in DS, it is imperative to study the impact of a possible disease modifying therapeutic both in the prevention of progression to dementia as well as for changing the course of memory disorders in this population. Development of a non-invasive medical device that is effective in slowing cognitive impairment is not only revolutionary but also possibly cost- effective. Information processing in the b…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 25–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Subject is between the ages of 25-65 * Subject must have a clinically confirmed diagnosis of Down Syndrome (karyotypes optional). Individuals with mosaic Down syndrome will be excluded. * Subject or their legal guardian is willing to sign informed consent document. * If subject is deemed to not have capacity to sign the informed consent, he/she will need a legally authorized representative to provide surrogate consent. * Subject will be medically stable with consistent medication over the previous 3 months. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects has history of a dual diagnosis…
Interventions
- DeviceGENUS device (Active Settings)
Participants in the active condition within the Down Syndrome participant group and the Cognitively Normal Control group will use the GENUS device configured to active 40Hz settings for 30-60 minutes.
- DeviceGENUS device (Sham Settings)
Participants in the control condition within the Down Syndrome participant group and the Cognitively Normal Control group will use the GENUS device configured to sham settings for 30-60 minutes.
Location
- Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridge, Massachusetts