Enhancing Attention in Older Adults Using a Brain-Computer Interface

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study explores whether combining mindfulness meditation with non-invasive brain stimulation can strengthen neural markers linked to attention and memory, which are thought to support cognitive reserve. It includes younger adults and older adults, with a focus on those with mild cognitive impairment. The approach uses transcranial electrical stimulation and mindfulness practices to see if these interventions improve cognitive reserve-related functions. Outcomes are measured via neural and cognitive markers that reflect attention and memory processes. The trial is conducted at The University of Texas at Austin and in the Sun City area of Georgetown, TX.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Younger adults:

* Good general health.
* Normal or corrected vision.
* no history of neurological/psychiatric disease
* ability to read and understand English
* ability to understand information and ability to give a free and informed consent

Older adults:

* Normal or corrected vision.
* Self-reports no current diagnosis of dementia.
* Ability to provide written/electronic, informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Younger Adults:

* Neurological or psychiatric diseases that could be contraindicated for tACS (e.g., personal history of epilepsy/seizure brain damage, history of fainting, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, current substance use disorder, etc.).
* Medications that elevate seizure threshold (e.g., stimulant medication, high dose bupropion).
* Factors hindering EEG acquisition and tACS delivery (e.g., skin infection, wounds, dermatitis, inability to access the scalp of the participant).

Older Adults:

* Neurological or psychiatric diseases that could be contraindicated for tACS (e.g., personal history of epilepsy/seizure brain damage, pacemakers, history of fainting, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, current substance use disorder, etc.).
* Medications that elevate seizure threshold (e.g., stimulant medication, high dose bupropion).
* Factors hindering EEG acquisition and tACS delivery (e.g., skin infection, wounds, dermatitis, inability to access the scalp of the participant).
* Diagnosis of dementia.
* Do not have the capacity to provide informed consent.

Where it's running

• The University of Texas at Austin
  Austin, Texas, United States Recruiting
• Sun City
  Georgetown, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Jose del R. Millan, PhD
• Email: jose.millan@austin.utexas.edu
• Phone: 512-232-8111

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.