Patient-Centered NeuroRehabilitation (PCN)

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a neurorehabilitation
treatment tailored to individual patient needs, with the ultimate goal of maximizing
cognitive and real-world functioning for older adults with cognitive aging, mild cognitive
impairment (MCI), neurodegenerative, or other neurological diseases/conditions.

Transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) is a non-invasive, neurorehabilitation procedure in
which a weak electric current is passed between electrodes that are placed on the scalp with
the intention of modulating excitability of the underlying brain regions. Because the field
of TES is relatively young, rapidly evolving, and primarily focused on cognitive neuroscience
with "healthy" individuals, there is a clear need for well-conceptualized and conducted
clinical research. The current protocol is intentionally broad with respect to both
methodology and patient characteristics in order to tailor potential TES interventions to
individual patients or small samples. The current protocol utilizes various forms of TES
including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), alternating current stimulation
(tACS), and random noise stimulation (tRNS) and sham stimulation in older adults. As this is
a cross-over design, some participants may receive active (or "real") TES and/or sham TES
conditions.This includes head to head comparisons of the different forms of TES.
Additionally, TES could be performed in conjunction with cognitively-based intervention since
this may enhance the neuroplastic response of the targeted brain region(s) while at the same
time shaping/optimizing the pathways that are engaged by cognitively-based interventions.
This broad approach is important since etiological differences in cognitive impairment may
necessitate distinct interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals who have reported cognitive dysfunction and cognitively intact
participants.

2. Participants will be age 50 or older

Exclusion Criteria:

1. A history of serious mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, axis 2
disorders)

2. Sensory or motor impairments that limit the ability to take part in the study

3. A significant history or current use of alcohol or drug abuse/dependence

4. Those who are currently pregnant or may become pregnant during the duration of the
study (if there is a question of pregnancy, pregnancy tests will be available for
participants at no charge)

Those who are being evaluated for TES methodology will also be excluded for 1) metallic or
electronic implant 2) skull plates or other cranial implants that affect TES