Adaptive Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation to Improve Working Memory in Older Adults and Mild Cognitive Impairment

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how closed-loop transcranial magnetic stimulation TMS based on personalized brain networks can control brain states to improve working memory. This study focuses on healthy older adults and people with mild cognitive impairment MCI, a condition linked to a higher risk of Alzheimers disease. The goal is to better understand brain network activity related to working memory and how TMS targeting the prefrontal cortex affects this brain function. Participants will experience three different TMS conditions triggered by alpha-band brain activity randomized arrhythmic TMS intended to disrupt alpha oscillations and potentially enhance memory, rhythmic alpha-frequency TMS expected to synchronize brain waves and possibly reduce memory performance, and a sham stimulation with no actual TMS delivered. These interventions use advanced brain imaging techniques like TMS-fMRI and TMS-EEG to study dose-response effects and brain network dynamics. During the study, participants undergo several assessments including neuroimaging sessions, EEG recordings, and cognitive tests such as working memory tasks and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Researchers will collect data on brain connectivity, vascular density, and cognitive performance to evaluate the impact of TMS. The study involves screening, multiple testing days, and continuous monitoring of brain activity to understand how TMS influences working memory in aging and MCI.

Neuromodulation of Memory in Aging