Study of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Working Memory in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment Compared to Healthy Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation tDCS on working memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairments MCI compared to cognitively healthy older adults. This mechanistic, randomized, double-blind crossover study aims to understand how acute tDCS influences brain function and working memory performance, using advanced neuroimaging and machine learning methods. The study will enroll 110 adults aged 60 to 95 years to explore brain structure, cognitive function, and neural plasticity during stimulation. Participants will receive two types of stimulation active tDCS and sham tDCS. Active tDCS involves applying a 2.0 mA electrical current for 12 minutes using electrodes placed on the scalp over specific brain regions. Sham stimulation mimics the sensation of tDCS but delivers only 30 seconds of current to prevent brain stimulation. Each participant will perform working memory tasks before, during, and after stimulation in a crossover design with sessions separated by at least two weeks. During the study, participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging MRI to assess brain structure and function linked to working memory. Cognitive performance will be measured using N-back tasks at multiple time points. Researchers will monitor changes in working memory accuracy with active versus sham stimulation. The trial includes multiple visits for stimulation sessions and assessments, with participant involvement lasting until study completion in 2029. Safety and adherence will be monitored throughout the study.

A Mechanistic Study to Investigate tDCS and Working Memory in MCI Patients