Using brain stimulation to improve memory and motivation in older adults

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

This study investigates the effects of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) on cognitive functions such as motivation and memory in cognitively unimpaired older adults and those with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. Participants will undergo a series of rTMS sessions over 10 days, followed by evaluations using behavioral tests and MRI imaging to assess changes in brain activity. The study aims to understand how non-invasive brain stimulation can influence cognitive decline and brain-network function in aging populations.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Between the ages of 40-99
2. Native English speakers
3. Willing and able to consent to the protocol and undergo imaging and neuropsychological testing at the specified time points
4. Cognitively normal older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or alteration in consciousness
2. Another major neurologic or psychiatric condition
3. Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g. tumor, cortical infarct)
4. Any contraindication to MRI, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body
5. Longstanding premorbid history (i.e. longer than 10 years) of alcohol or substance abuse with continuous abuse up to and including the time that the symptoms leading to clinical presentation developed
6. Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the study protocol.
7. Unwilling to return for follow-up, undergo neuropsychological testing, TMS, and MR imaging
8. History of unprovoked seizures (i.e., seizures that occur in the absence of a clear provocation such as hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, etc.).
9. Subjects who have a first degree relative (e.g., father, mother or sibling) with a seizure disorder.
10. Subjects currently taking, or plan to take, medications which are highly epileptogenic. These include: clozapine, high doses of bupropion (i.e., greater than 400mg daily), diphenhydramine, cyclosporine, isoniazid, imipenem, chloroquine, tramadol and theophylline.

Where it's running

• Massachusetts General Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Alexandra Touroutoglou, PhD
• Email: atouroutoglou@mgh.harvard.edu
• Phone: 6176436348

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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.