Weak electrical stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and its effects on information processing
Neural and Age-Related Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of the Left dlPFC During Information Processing
This project will test whether weak electrical brain stimulation of the left dlPFC changes brain activity and task performance in healthy younger and older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 196 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Trial ID | NCT07168031 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants receive either active or sham transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) while they complete computer tasks designed to engage specific cognitive processes. Brain activity and connectivity are measured with MRI both during tasks and at rest to capture stimulation effects on cortical networks and hippocampal interactions. The study enrolls healthy right-handed younger adults (20–40) and older adults (60–80) to compare age-related differences in response to stimulation. Safety screening excludes people with MRI or tDCS contraindications and those taking CNS-active medications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy right-handed adults aged 20–40 or 60–80 with normal or corrected vision and hearing, no neurological or psychiatric disorder, no CNS-active medications, and who can undergo MRI and give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with neurological or psychiatric disorders, a history of seizures, metal implants or pacemakers, current CNS-active medications, pregnancy, or recent participation in another brain stimulation study are unlikely to qualify or benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help guide noninvasive stimulation approaches to better target age-related changes in attention and memory.
How similar studies have performed: Previous tDCS studies have reliably shown short-term changes in cortical excitability and network connectivity but have produced mixed results for lasting cognitive benefits, so this approach is partially supported but not definitively proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy younger adults (ages 20-40) or healthy older adults (ages 60-80) * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing * Right-handed (for consistency in brain stimulation) * Able to give written informed consent and comply with study procedures Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological or psychiatric disorders * Current use of medications that affect the central nervous system * Metal implants, pacemakers, or other contraindications for MRI or tDCS * History of seizures or epilepsy * Pregnancy * Participation in another brain stimulation study within the last 3 months * Any condition judged by investigators to interfere with safe participation
Where this trial is running
Bern
- University of Bern, Department of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy — Bern, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica Peter, Prof. — UniversityClinics, University of Bern
- Study coordinator: Sarah Godehardt
- Email: sarah.godehardt@unibe.ch
- Phone: +41 58 630 89 03
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.