Personalized Memory Enhancement in Aging: Pattern-Optimized tACS With Closed-Loop Precision Modulation
Boston University Charles River Campus
Summary
This project optimizes high-resolution transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to improve memory in healthy older adults, advancing drug-free approaches for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). We test stimulation schedules and develop an adaptive, brain-guided tACS system to strengthen memory-supporting networks.
Description
Cognitive decline, especially in memory and executive control, poses an escalating public health challenge as the population ages, contributing to loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Despite decades of research, there are few effective, non-pharmacological interventions capable of slowing or reversing these cognitive losses. Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) has recently emerged as a promising, safe, and non-invasive technique for modulating neural rhythms that support…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years of age or older * normal or corrected-to-normal vision * color vision Exclusion Criteria: * pregnant * metal implants in head * implanted electronic devices * history of neurological problems or head injury * skin sensitivity * claustrophobia * dementia (normal Montreal Cognitive Assessment \> 25) * depression (normal Geriatric Depression Scale \< 10) * history of psychosis * cognitive deficits (MoCA\>25) * any psychoactive medication
Interventions
- Device1-day patterned tACS
Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
- Device3-day patterned tACS
Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
- Device5-day patterned tACS
Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
- Device1-day continuous tACS
Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
- Device3-day continuous tACS
Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.
Location
- 111 Cummington MallBoston, Massachusetts