Memory Enhancement Using Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer's Disease

What this Trial Is About

Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease affect millions of people worldwide and create a significant economic burden. Researchers are evaluating the use of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a safe and non-invasive brain stimulation method, to potentially reduce or slow cognitive decline. Specifically, the study focuses on applying 40 Hz gamma frequency tACS to the precuneus region of the brain in patients with MCI due to Alzheimer's disease to examine its effects on episodic memory and brain activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG). This approach aims to replicate previous findings that showed memory improvement and increased gamma power after a single tACS session using electroencephalography. Participants will receive either active 40 Hz tACS or sham (placebo) tACS applied to the precuneus region using a NuroStym transcranial electrical stimulation system. The stimulation involves four sessions of 12 minutes each, totaling 48 minutes, delivered at the Pz location according to standard EEG coordinates. The sham group will experience the device with no effective stimulation between ramp-up and ramp-down phases to serve as a control. Throughout the study, participants will undergo assessments immediately before and after the intervention, including tests such as the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning test and the Face-Name Association Task to measure changes in memory performance. Brain activity and network changes will be monitored with MEG before, during, and after tACS to understand the underlying mechanisms. The study focuses on safety and memory improvement, with no long-term follow-up periods specified.

Memory Enhancement Using Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation