Boston University Charles River Campus
Tests whether age-related visual deficits arise from disrupted alpha-gamma coupling in visual cortex (V1) and MT. Uses fMRI, source-resolved HD-EEG, and personalized complex-waveform HD-tACS to (1) quantify aging effects on phase-amplitude coupling, (2) drive PAC into a preferred "gamma-at-alpha-troughs" state, and (3) bidirectionally change perception by aligning gamma to alpha troughs vs peaks. Two five-day, double-blind, sham-controlled studies (n=120 each) target contrast sensitivity (V1) and 3D shape-from-motion (MT), aiming for mechanistic insight and remediation in older adults with implications for ADRD.
The project probes a causal account of age-related perceptual decline by focusing on alpha-gamma phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) in early visual cortex and area MT. The central hypothesis is that aging alters both the magnitude and phase structure of alpha-gamma interactions, degrading visual performance; restoring a preferred configuration-gamma power nested at alpha troughs-should improve perception. Multimodal methods combine structural/functional MRI, high-density EEG with source reconstruction, and individualized complex-waveform HD-tACS tuned to each participant's neuroanatomy and oscill…
Inclusion Criteria: * 18+ years of age or older * normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity, color vision, and stereo vision Exclusion Criteria: * not pregnant, * no metal implants in head, * no implanted electronic devices, * no history of neurological problems or head injury, * no skin sensitivity, * no claustrophobia, * no dementia (normal Mini Mental State Examination between 24-30; Montreal Cognitive Assessment \> 25) * no depression (normal Beck Depression Inventory II \<13; Geriatric Depression Scale \< 10) * no ophthalmological diseases (e.g., strabismus, glaucoma, cataract, macul…
Low-intensity and safe, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of gradually modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
Arctuva estimate
Verify or correct the compensation shown for this listing.