High Frequency Stimulation to Improve Cognition, Mobility, and Affect in Individuals With and Without Subjective Cognitive Decline
University of Florida
Summary
The goal is to determine whether three months of at least three times / week of sensory flicker stimulation improves cognition, mobility, and affect in healthy older adults and older adults with and without Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). Investigators will also determine whether the intervention slows cortical thinning and declines in brain functional network segregation and changes in blood biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–89 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Community dwelling men and women 65-89 years old * Ability to walk unassisted for 10 min * English speaking Additional Inclusion Criteria for SCD: * No evidence of dementia or MCI based on cognitive screening (i.e., Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score within normal limits for age, education, and sex using the NACC Uniform Data Set (UDS) norms8 * Global Clinic Dementia Rating (CDR) score must be 0 or 0.531 * Subjective report of cognitive complaints with scores \>20 on the Cognitive Change Index (CCI-20), a validated scale of subjective cognitive decline6; this s…
Interventions
- BehavioralFlicker Stimulation
Investigators will utilize near-infrared two-photon stimulation (890-940 nm) to deliver rhythmic input in a subliminal, comfortable manner, without the side effects associated with visible flicker.
- BehavioralControl Stimulation
The control group will receive a control stimulation rather than a constant flicker frequency.
- Behavioral18 Hz Visual Occlusion
The participants will wear visual occlusion glasses with visible stimulation flickering at 18 Hz
- BehavioralControl - Visual Occlusion
Participants will receive visible stimulation at a frequency that is 1 Hz.
Location
- University of FloridaGainesville, Florida