Test if aging changes how brain rhythms coordinate vision, and try a tailored brain stimulation to help with vision in older adults
Official title: Rescuing Visual Perception in Aging Adults by Restructuring the Alpha-Gamma Neural Code
Run by Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT07208318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether age-related visual problems come from disrupted alpha-gamma brain rhythms in the visual cortex and uses personalized high-definition tACS to try to improve vision in older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 2, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | July 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07208318 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 and older with normal or corrected visual acuity who do not have major neurological or ophthalmologic conditions and meet safety criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with certain neurological, psychiatric, or ocular diseases or those on psychoactive meds may not experience benefits and may be excluded from benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Two five-day, double-blind, sham-controlled studies will test whether aging alters alpha-gamma coupling in early visual areas (V1) and in MT during 3D shape-from-motion tasks. The approach combines structural/functional MRI, high-density EEG with source localization, and individualized complex-waveform HD-tACS to quantify PAC changes and attempt to align gamma activity with alpha troughs to improve perception. The first aim focuses on contrast sensitivity in V1, while the second examines 3D motion perception in MT, with 120 participants per study. The project seeks mechanistic insight into age-related perceptual decline and potential remediation strategies with implications for ADRD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience improvements in specific visual perceptions affected by aging and gain insight into noninvasive methods to support vision in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in noninvasive brain stimulation and rhythm-based perceptual modulation has shown promise, but this exact PAC-targeted, personalized approach is exploratory in aging vision.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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, macular degeneration) * no history of psychosis * no cognitive deficits (MMSE score\>24; MoCA\>25) * cannot be taking any psychoactive medication.
Where it's running
-
111 Cummington Mall, Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Robert Reinhart, PhD
- Email: rmgr@bu.edu
- Phone: (617) 353-9481
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Memory boost in aging with tailored brain stimulation
This study tests whether personalized high-resolution tACS can improve memory in healthy older adults by adjusting stimulation patterns and schedules.
-
Aquatic power training dosing strategies and creatine in older adults
This trial tests whether different aquatic power training dosing methods and creatine supplementation help improve function in community-dwelling adults aged 60 and older.
-
Intergenerational Interaction Program for Nursing Home Residents and Nursing Students
A 6-week program pairs nursing home residents with nursing students to see if weekly joint activities can increase joy and reduce loneliness for older adults and lessen ageism in students.
-
Supplemental Mobility for older adults in skilled nursing facilities
This pilot tests whether adding a mobility aide to support walking and transfers alongside regular rehab helps older adults in SNFs after hospitalization see more daily activity and safer mobility.
-
Smart Voice Platform to Support Quality of Life for Community-Living Older Adults
A smart voice platform is tested to see if it improves quality of life and healthy aging for older adults living in the community.
-
Digital STEADI: A home-based digital fall prevention program for older adults
A home-based digital program using AI-driven conversational agents tests if a guided fall-prevention exercise plan can reduce fall risk for older adults with mild cognitive impairment living independently.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.