Brain Wave Informed Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Improving Neural Networks of Working Memory in Dementia: a Proof-of-concept Study

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

EEG-triggered TMS: This intervention involves delivering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) during working memory maintence timed to a specific electroencephalography (EEG) phase from the temporal cortex. The intervention is attempting to facilitate improved communication between the dlPFC and temporal cortex to improve working memory in people living with dementia.

Study summary

Working memory helps us hold information for a short time so one can think and make decisions. It keeps thoughts on track. As one gets older, working memory gets weaker. In people with dementia, it gets much worse, making it harder to talk with others, follow directions, or remember things like shopping lists.

This may happen because brain waves that support working memory fall out of sync. Researchers can see these brain waves using a test called EEG. In this study, the investigators will try to get these brain waves back in sync using a safe, non-invasive form of brain stimulation called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and will time it to each person's brain waves to make it more effective. The goal is to improve working memory in people with dementia. If successful, dementia patients may be able to be more independent taking pressure off their families.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Forward digit span — Immediately before, immediately after the 2 week intervention, 1 month and 4 months after the intervention period.
  A set of numbers will be presented one after another and you will be asked to recall them in the same order after a brief maintence period. Accuracy and reaction time will be measured
• Reverse digit span — Immediately before, immediately after the 2 week intervention, 1 month and 4 months after the intervention period.
  A set of digits will be presented and you must recall the digits in reverse order. Accuracy and reaction time will be measured
• Sentence span — Immediately before, immediately after the 2 week intervention, 1 month and 4 months after the intervention period.
  You will be presented with a set of sentences one after another. You are tasked with remembering the last word of each sentence. Then after a brief maintence period, you will be asked to repeat the last word of each sentence in the order the sentences were presented in. Accuracy and reaction time will be measured
• Grocery list task — Immediately before, immediately after the 2 week intervention, 1 month and 4 months after the intervention period.
  You will be presented with a set of grocery items one after another. After a brief maintence period, you will be asked to repeat the items in the same order they were presented in. Accuracy and reaction time will be measured
• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score — Immediately before, immediately after the 2 week intervention, 1 month and 4 months after the intervention period.
  The MOCA is a tool used to assess cognitive impairment. It assesses various aspects of cognition including executive function, memory, language, attention, and orientation. A score less than 25 out of 30 is considered significant for MCI.
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores — Immediately before, immediately after the 2 week intervention, 1 month and 4 months after the intervention period.
  The MMSE is a 30 point cognitive assessment that involves a variety of cognitive tasks to assess an individual's cognitive abilities. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

Trial sites (1)

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