Brain and Cognitive Changes After Reasoning Training in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of reasoning training on individuals with
complaints of changes in memory or thinking in the absence of dementia, when combined with
transcranial current stimulation (tDCS). The reasoning training being studied is a strategy
based program where individuals are taught strategies designed to engage the frontal lobes.
Participants will randomly be placed into one of two groups (1) reasoning training following
transcranial current stimulation (tDCS) as compared to (2) reasoning training following sham
tDCS. The study will be done with adults between the ages of 50 and 80 with consistent memory
complaints or lower baseline performance on memory measures. The primary hypothesis is that
individuals receiving tDCS prior to brain training will have a stronger response to brain
training than those in the sham tDCS group. Response to training will be measured by improved
cognitive function and neural changes as measured by neuropsychological testing, MRI, and
EEG. MRI will be used to evaluate the impact of reasoning training on brain blood flow,
structure and function, and to measure changes in brain energy metabolism and
electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate intervention outcomes. The reasoning training program
will be conducted in small groups at the Center for BrainHealth.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Safely have an MRI

- Cognitive complaints in the absence of dementia

- Participate in tasks involving motor abilities such as use of at least one arm and
hand

- Read, speak, and comprehend English

- 50-80 years of age

- Comprehend simple instructions, perform tasks, and take part in intervention

Exclusion Criteria:

- Not proficient in reading, comprehending, or speaking English

- Individuals who have any significant health, neurological, or psychiatric illness, or
history of substance abuse

- Individuals with any MR contraindications (i.e., non-removable metal within/on the
body)

- Individuals taking medications which are contraindicatory for the tDCS procedure

- Individuals who are left-handed

- Not proficient in reading,comprehending, and speaking English

- Females who are not post-menopausal

- Pre-existing cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, schizophrenia, pervasive developmental
disorder, thyroid diseases, diabetes, claustrophobia, non-correctable vision problems,
major depression, psychosis, active behavioral disorder, or uncontrolled epilepsy.

- Women who are pregnant