Using brain stimulation to improve memory and motivation in older adults
Grit Against Cognitive Decline in Aging and Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help improve memory and motivation in older adults, including those showing early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06956300 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cognitively normal older adults and individuals aged 40-99 with preclinical Alzheimer's disease who are native English speakers.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological or psychiatric conditions, structural brain lesions, or contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance cognitive function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in at-risk individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies using rTMS have shown promise in improving cognitive functions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexandra Touroutoglou, PhD
- Email: atouroutoglou@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6176436348
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.