Research on Brain Stimulation to Improving Cognition

Study Investigator: Dr. Linda Mah

Site: Baycrest | Address: 3560 Bathurst St, North York, ON M6A 2E1

Area of Focus: Mild cognitive impairment | Subjective cognitive decline

Minimum Participant Age: 60+ | 65+ | 70+ | 80+

Full Study Title: Neuromodulation of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex to Enhance Cognition using an Accelerated Treatment Protocol

What is the study about?

Accelerated deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) means giving multiple treatment sessions each day for 2-5 consecutive days, instead of just one session a day for 4 to 6 weeks like usual. This study explores accelerated dTMS treatment combined with cognitive training as a way to improve thinking and memory in older adults living with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the dTMS treatment or an inactive treatment (i.e., a placebo). This helps researchers determine if the treatment really works. Participants will answer questions, take memory tests, and have brain scans before and after the treatment to see how their brains change.

Eligibility - Who can participate?

● Age 55-85 years old

● Have either: Subjective memory concerns and a close family member (e.g., parent or sibling) with a likely or confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease OR Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

● Have access to a computer or other device (e.g., tablet, smartphone)

● No cardiac pacemaker or other metal implants in the body

● No personal or family history of epilepsy

Time Requirement

Total study duration is 9 weeks.

Baseline/Screening

● 1-2 visits lasting 1-2 hours

Treatment

● 2-5 visits in 1 week

● Each visit will be from 9am-5pm

● Each dTMS treatment will be spaced 1 hour apart

Post-Treatment Assessment

● 1 visit after the 1-week treatment period, 1-2 hours

Cognitive Training

● Done from home

● Will last 6 weeks post-treatment

● 30 minutes a day, 3-4 days per week

Post-Treatment Assessment

● 1 visit after the 6-week cognitive training, 1-2 hours

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