Randomized Trial of Combined Intermittent Theta Burst Brain Stimulation and Computerized Cognitive Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment in Adults Aged 60 to 85

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a combined treatment of non-invasive brain stimulation and computerized cognitive training CCT for people with mild cognitive impairment MCI. This randomized, sham-controlled trial aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a 3-day combined treatment on memory, thinking skills, mood, and daily function in individuals aged 60 to 85. The study is led by the Medical University of South Carolina and focuses on improving neurocognitive and psychosocial function in MCI. Participants receive accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation iTBS using a MagVenture MagPro Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation system with neuronavigation. They will undergo 12 sessions of iTBS 3 minutes each per treatment day, across 3 treatment days within an 8-day period. During 15-minute breaks between iTBS sessions, participants engage in 11 sessions of computerized cognitive training daily. They are randomly assigned to either active adaptive training or sham non-adaptive control games delivered online through the BrainHQ platform. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at multiple time points including before treatment, one week after treatment, and four weeks post-treatment. Researchers will measure retention, adherence, acceptability, and changes in cognitive performance using tools such as the NIH Toolbox-Cognition Battery and the Preclinical Alzheimers Cognitive Composite. Additional evaluations include dementia rating scales and informant-rated cognition. The total study period extends to 6 weeks post-enrollment, allowing monitoring of effects and safety.

Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Training for MCI