Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT04362696

Improving Working Memory in Older Adults

The research program will evaluate the theoretical claim that age-related memory and cognitive decline in humans result from the inefficient orchestration of rhythmic activity within large-scale cortical networks. The results will contribute to the basic science groundwork for developing future non-pharmacological interventions aimed at boosting memory and cognition in aging and clinical populations.

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Memory Disorders in Old Age Cognition Disorders Cognitive Dysfunction Mental Disorders Neurocognitive Disorders

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

111 Cummington Mall Room 264

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

About this study

The investigators hypothesize that aged-related memory and cognitive impairments emerge from large-scale functional dysconnectivity and by stimulating the brain noninvasively with extremely weak levels of electrical current, it may be possible to re-synchronize connectivity and stabilize or improve memory and cognitive function, measured behaviorally. The experiments of this project are proposed as between-subjects, sham-controlled, and double-blind in design, and use noninvasive electroencephalographic (EEG) measurements of rhythmic brain activity. The experimental intervention involves the application of low-intensity, high-definition, transcranial electrical current stimulation while subjects perform a variety of computer-based tasks that probe memory and cognitive function.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • For Experiment 1, 18-30 years
  • For Experiment 2, 60-80 years
  • Normal or corrected-to-normal vision
  • Has color vision.

Exclusion criteria

  • Metal implants in the head
  • Implanted electronic devices
  • A history of neurological problems or head injury
  • Skin sensitivity
  • Claustrophobia
  • Dementia [Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 23 or lower; Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of <26)
  • Depression [Beck Depression Inventory II score of 14 or higher; Geriatric Depression Scale score of 10 or higher]
  • Taking any psychoactive medication

Treatment and study plan

High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation

Device

Low-intensity and safe, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of gradually modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

Primary outcomes

  1. Memory performance success (sham stimulation condition)

    Time frame: During sham intervention

    The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm

  2. Memory performance success (active stimulation condition)

    Time frame: During active intervention

    The accuracy of task performance (in percentage correct unit) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm

  3. Memory performance speed (sham stimulation condition)

    Time frame: During sham intervention

    The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm

  4. Memory performance speed (active stimulation condition)

    Time frame: During active intervention

    The reaction time of task performance (in millisecond units) in the delayed-match-to-sample working memory paradigm

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Boston University Charles River Campus

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Improving Working Memory in Older Adults by Restoring Large-Scale Cortical Interactions

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 27, 2020
Registry last updated
Jul 23, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.