Neuromodulation of Brain Function in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
In this research study we want to learn more about the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on memory and brain-network function in cognitively unimpaired older adults and in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). This study will use a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). rTMS will slightly alter activity in an area of your brain that controls memory. Changes resulting from this stimulation will be measured with behavioral tests of memory and general cognition, as well as by taking images of your brain with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Participants will come in for one baseline visit followed by 10 days of daily rTMS study visits (Monday through Friday) and an evaluation visit. Then, there will be a 2-week break. After this break, they will return for another baseline visit, an additional 10 days of rTMS, and a final evaluation visit.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–99 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Between the ages of 40-99 2. Native English speakers 3. Willing and able to consent to the protocol and undergo imaging and neuropsychological testing at the specified time points 4. Patients with PPA will be asked to bring a study partner to all visits 5. Patients with very mild or mild PPA, patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and cognitively unimpaired participants with preclinical AD will be included. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or alteration in consciousness 2. Another major neurologic or psychiatric c…
Interventions
- DeviceActive rTMS
All study participants will receive one block of ACTIVE rTMS. Each block will consist of daily sessions of active rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over ten days (Monday through Friday).
- DeviceSham rTMS
All study participants will receive one block of SHAM rTMS. Each block will consist of daily sessions of SHAM rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over ten days (Monday through Friday).
Location
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, Massachusetts