Cognitive Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Older Adults
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Healthy Studies |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 55 - 79 |
| Updated: | 4/21/2016 |
| Start Date: | June 2012 |
| End Date: | December 2013 |
This research is being done to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation
(tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities. In this research, a 9 volt battery is used to
deliver very weak electrical current to the surface of the scalp while participants complete
cognitive tasks. Our aim is to find out whether tDCS will improve task performance in adults
over the age of 55.
(tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities. In this research, a 9 volt battery is used to
deliver very weak electrical current to the surface of the scalp while participants complete
cognitive tasks. Our aim is to find out whether tDCS will improve task performance in adults
over the age of 55.
Participants enrolled into this study may be asked to do the following:
- Grant permission for the researchers to view medical records associated with their
language/cognitive difficulties (if applicable).
- Complete a questionnaire, provide a health history, and take some pencil-and-paper
tests of problem-solving and memory in order to verify eligibility to participate and
to able to safely undergo the experimental procedures.
- Complete several tasks (i.e., saying words out loud, naming objects, drawing designs,
remembering lists of words, searching for images or letters, and/or completing puzzles)
based upon a number of cognitive functions such as language, memory, vision,
processing, and perception.
- Wear electrodes that will be placed on the scalp with a large rubberized band. These
electrodes will administer very weak electrical current (tDCS) from a 9 volt battery
for 20 to 60 minutes.
- Participate in several study conditions. The exact conditions and their order will be
randomized. Under some conditions, participants may receive active stimulation (tDCS)
and under other conditions, they may receive sham stimulation.
- The experimental sessions will last approximately 2 hours and participants may be asked
to have more than one testing session in a day or to return for additional sessions.
- Grant permission for the researchers to view medical records associated with their
language/cognitive difficulties (if applicable).
- Complete a questionnaire, provide a health history, and take some pencil-and-paper
tests of problem-solving and memory in order to verify eligibility to participate and
to able to safely undergo the experimental procedures.
- Complete several tasks (i.e., saying words out loud, naming objects, drawing designs,
remembering lists of words, searching for images or letters, and/or completing puzzles)
based upon a number of cognitive functions such as language, memory, vision,
processing, and perception.
- Wear electrodes that will be placed on the scalp with a large rubberized band. These
electrodes will administer very weak electrical current (tDCS) from a 9 volt battery
for 20 to 60 minutes.
- Participate in several study conditions. The exact conditions and their order will be
randomized. Under some conditions, participants may receive active stimulation (tDCS)
and under other conditions, they may receive sham stimulation.
- The experimental sessions will last approximately 2 hours and participants may be asked
to have more than one testing session in a day or to return for additional sessions.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Over the age of 55
- Right Handed
- Native English speaker
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of Seizures
- Any implanted metal device or pacemaker
- Appreciable deficits in hearing or vision
- Greater than 1.5 standard deviations below demographically adjusted means on
cognitive screen
- Dementia or Mini Mental Exam below 24
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