Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation to Enhance Cognition in Healthy Participants
Using Theta-Burst Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Stimulation to Enhance Cognition in Healthy Adults
University of Nottingham
20 participants
Jan 20, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This study examines the impact of theta-burst transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS) on cognitive performance in healthy participants, specifically focusing on both acute and post-stimulation effects on visual working memory (vWM). The investigation will compare TUS effects across targeted deep cortical and subcortical brain regions involved in cognitive processing. Neurophysiological changes following stimulation will be assessed using EEG, providing insight into tFUS-induced modulations in working memory-related brain activity.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria8
- Age: 18-55years
- Healthy adults with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders
- Eligible to undergo a T1-weighted MRI scan for tFUS neuronavigational purposes
- Ability to adhere to the tFUS study schedule and complete all assessments
- Right-handed
- Fluent in English
- Abstinence from the use of any recreational drugs in the 48-hour period prior to taking part in the experiment.
- Abstinence from consuming no more than 4 alcoholic units within the 24-hour period before participation.
Exclusion Criteria14
- Any current psychiatric diagnosis
- Neurodevelopmental disorders; history of central nervous system disease, concussion, or other neurological sequelae; presence of tumors, seizures, meningitis, encephalitis, or any abnormal MRI findings of the brain
- Use of any psychotropic medications within five half-lives before the procedure
- Presence of metal implants contraindicated for MRI
- History of head trauma with loss of consciousness
- Calcification in sonicated parts of the brain.
- Visual impairments that cannot be corrected with glasses
- Inability to complete cognitive testing requirements
- Active participation or plans for enrollment in other clinical trials that may impact psychosocial functioning
- History of repeated substance abuse or dependence (excluding nicotine and caffeine); use of medications such as stimulants, modafinil, thyroid medication, or steroids
- No skin disease on or close to the scalp.
- History of seizure or epilepsy; use of medications that lower seizure thresholds
- Claustrophobia or any other condition precluding MRI assessment
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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Interventions
Using MRI neuronavigation, the investigators will implement theta-burst tFUS in one of the four targets.
Locations(1)
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NCT06829368