Noninvasive Brain Stimulation on Memory in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment and History of Brain Injury

Episodic verbal memory will be assessed with the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R). The HVLT-R is a verbal episodic memory task where a list of 12 words is read aloud for 3 consecutive trials followed by a 20 minute delayed recall trial. The number of items recalled immediately after each trial are summed to create a total learning score, ranging from 0-36. Also, the number of items recalled for the delayed trial are recorded as a delayed recall score, ranging from 0-12. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better episodic memory performance.

Episodic verbal memory will be assessed with the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R). The HVLT-R is a verbal episodic memory task where a list of 12 words is read aloud for 3 consecutive trials followed by a 20 minute delayed recall trial. The number of items recalled immediately after each trial are summed to create a total learning score, ranging from 0-36. Also, the number of items recalled for the delayed trial are recorded as a delayed recall score, ranging from 0-12. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better episodic memory performance.

Episodic verbal memory will be assessed with the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). The BVMT-R is a visual episodic memory task where where an array of 6 simple geometric visual designs are presented in a 2 x 3 matrix for 10 seconds for 3 trials. The number of items recalled immediately after each trial are summed for accuracy and placement to create a total learning score, ranging from 0-36. Also, the number of items recalled for the delayed trial are recorded as a delayed recall score, ranging from 0-12. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better episodic memory performance.

Episodic verbal memory will be assessed with the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R). The BVMT-R is a visual episodic memory task where where an array of 6 simple geometric visual designs are presented in a 2 x 3 matrix for 10 seconds for 3 trials. The number of items recalled immediately after each trial are summed for accuracy and placement to create a total learning score, ranging from 0-36. Also, the number of items recalled for the delayed trial are recorded as a delayed recall score, ranging from 0-12. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better episodic memory performance.

The phonemic verbal fluency task is a measure of language. The subject is required to name as many words as possible that begin with specified letters within 1 minute. Three different letter trials are completed. The outcome measure for this task is the total number of correct responses across the trials, ranging from 0-90. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better performance.

The semantic verbal fluency task is a measure of language and involves 3 conditions. The subject is required to name as many animals as possible within 1 minute. The outcome measure for this task is the total number of correct responses, ranging from 0-90. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better performance.

The Trail Making Test is a measure of cognitive flexibility and executive functions. The task requires the subject to as quickly as possible complete two conditions, involving number sequencing and then number-letter switching. The outcome measure for this task is the time in seconds to complete the number-letter switching condition, ranging from 15-300. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better performance

The Stroop Color and Word Test is a measure of information processing speed and complex attention. The task requires the subject to as quickly as possible complete 3 conditions, involving word reading, color naming, and response inhibition. The outcome measure for this task was the response inhibition trial, which is scored as the total correct items completed in the administration time of 45 seconds, ranging from 0-100. Scores were converted to standardized scores (T-scores) using normative data, ranging from 2-86. Higher scores reflect better performance.

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-4 Digit Span Test measures simple attention and working memory. The examiner reads aloud a series of numbers of increasing length, and individuals are required to repeat each series across 3 separate conditions, involving forwards, backwards, and in sequence. Each trial is scored as incorrect (0) or correct (1), and the total number of correct trials across the 3 conditions are summed, ranging from 0-48. Scores were converted to standardized scores (scaled-scores) using normative data, ranging from 1-19. Higher scores reflect better episodic memory performance