In this research study we want to learn more about the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on motivation, memory, and brain-network function in cognitively unimpaired older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
This study will use a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). rTMS will slightly alter activity in an area of your brain that controls cognition. Changes resulting from this stimulation will be measured with behavioral tests, as well as by taking brain images with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Participants will come in for one baseline visit followed by 10 days of daily rTMS study visits (Monday through Friday) and an evaluation visit. Then, there will be a 2-week break. After this break, they will return for another baseline visit, an additional 10 days of rTMS, and a final evaluation visit.
Between the ages of 40-99
Native English speakers
Willing and able to consent to the protocol and undergo imaging and neuropsychological testing at the specified time points
Cognitively normal older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease will be included.
History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or alteration in consciousness
Another major neurologic or psychiatric condition
Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g. tumor, cortical infarct)
Any contraindication to MRI, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body
Crossover
Active rTMS
DeviceAll study participants will receive one block of ACTIVE rTMS. Each block will consist of daily sessions of active rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over ten days (Monday through Friday).
Sham rTMS
DeviceAll study participants will receive one block of SHAM rTMS. Each block will consist of daily sessions of SHAM rTMS delivered to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over ten days (Monday through Friday).
Changes in motivation
This will be measured by ratings of grit on a 5-point scale using the Grit Scale (Duckworth, et al., 2007).
Changes in Brain Network Connectivity
This will include changes in resting-state functional connectivity measured with functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Changes in Memory
This will be measured with an associative memory task
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Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead sponsor
Harvard Medical School (HMS and HSDM)
Sponsor institution
