Using ultrasound to improve memory in healthy adults
Using Theta-Burst Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation to Enhance Cognition in Healthy Adults
This study is testing if a special type of ultrasound can help healthy adults improve their memory by targeting specific areas of the brain.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nottingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT06829368 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how theta-burst transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) affects visual working memory in healthy participants. It employs a single-blind, crossover design where participants undergo four sessions targeting different brain regions associated with cognition, including the mediodorsal thalamus and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex. Each session consists of pre-, on-, and post-stimulation phases, with performance assessed through a specific memory task and neurophysiological changes monitored via EEG. The goal is to understand both immediate and delayed effects of stimulation on cognitive performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-55 who are right-handed and fluent in English.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those with a history of head trauma, will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new non-invasive methods for enhancing cognitive functions in healthy individuals.
How similar studies have performed: While studies on cognitive enhancement using non-invasive brain stimulation exist, this specific approach with tFUS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18-55years * Healthy adults with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders * Eligible to undergo a T1-weighted MRI scan for tFUS neuronavigational purposes * Ability to adhere to the tFUS study schedule and complete all assessments * Right-handed * Fluent in English * Abstinence from the use of any recreational drugs in the 48-hour period prior to taking part in the experiment. * Abstinence from consuming no more than 4 alcoholic units within the 24-hour period before participation. Exclusion Criteria: * Any current psychiatric diagnosis * Neurodevelopmental disorders; history of central nervous system disease, concussion, or other neurological sequelae; presence of tumors, seizures, meningitis, encephalitis, or any abnormal MRI findings of the brain * Use of any psychotropic medications within five half-lives before the procedure * Presence of metal implants contraindicated for MRI * History of head trauma with loss of consciousness * Calcification in sonicated parts of the brain. * Visual impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses * Inability to complete cognitive testing requirements * Active participation or plans for enrollment in other clinical trials that may impact psychosocial functioning * History of repeated substance abuse or dependence (excluding nicotine and caffeine); use of medications such as stimulants, modafinil, thyroid medication, or steroids * No skin disease on or close to the scalp. * History of seizure or epilepsy; use of medications that lower seizure thresholds * Claustrophobia or any other condition precluding MRI assessment * Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Where this trial is running
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
- Neuromodulation Lab, Medical School, Queen's Medical Centre — Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marcus Kaiser, Professor of Neuroinformatics — University of Nottingham
- Study coordinator: Stefanos A Kontogouris, PhD Student
- Email: stefanos.kontogouris@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 7826221912
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.