RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07560904

Non-invasive Stimulation of Deep Brain Structures to Modulate Working Memory

Sponsor

Masaryk University

Enrollment

70 participants

Start Date

Mar 1, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)Older Adults (60 - 85 Years Old)

Summary

A study investigating the effects of non-invasive electrical stimulation of deep brain structures on working memory, attention, and executive functions involved in everyday activities. Currently, there is no effective treatment for impairments in these functions. The study will evaluate the effects of non-invasive electrical stimulation in both healthy older adults and individuals with mild impairment of these functions. The study combines magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with non-invasive brain stimulation targeting deep brain structures. Its aim is to improve understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying these cognitive functions and their impairments, as well as to explore the mechanisms of non-invasive brain stimulation for potential future therapeutic applications.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Inclusion Criteria2

normal cognitive performance as assessed by a cognitive screening for healthy subjects
possible or probable MCI-LB or with PD-MCI, collectively called MCI-LBD, described as: presence of PD , and level II criteria for MCI (i.e. based on comprehensive neuropsychological examination), or the level II criteria for MCI , and at least two of four core DLB features including parkinsonism, visual hallucinations, attention/cognitive function fluctuation, and REM sleep behavioral disorder, or at least 1 core clinical feature and 1 indicative biomarker (probable MCI-LB).

Exclusion Criteria1

Psychiatric disorders including major depression, major vascular lesions, or other brain pathologies that might present with cognitive decline.

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Interventions

OTHERNon-invasive deep brain stimulation of striatum via transcranial temporal interference stimulation (20 Hz)

Striatum will be targeted by using at least two pairs of high-frequency tES with a low-frequency (20 Hz) offset, creating an interference hotspot targeting the deep brain structure (deep-tES).

OTHERControl striatal stimulation

A high-frequency tES without low-frequency offset. It will consist of two oscillatory high-frequency currents without any frequency shifts, which induces similar skin sensations as deep-tES and will be applied just for a ramp-up/ramp-down phases at the beginning of the stimulation and afterwards will be switched off.

OTHERNon-invasive deep brain stimulation of striatum via transcranial temporal interference stimulation (60 Hz)

Striatum will be targeted by using at least two pairs of high-frequency tES with a low-frequency (60 Hz) offset, creating an interference hotspot targeting the deep brain structure (deep-tES).