Brain Stimulation Research Study
Researchers at High Point University are conducting a study in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment to investigate the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation on the brain.
Fast Facts
No Significant Neurological Conditions
65+ Years Old
Compensation Provided
Conducted in High Point, NC
Study Background
Could brain stimulation (transcranial alternating current stimulation) help older adults with cognitive impairment?
Members of the research team at High Point University have designed a brain stimulation study to understand its effect on an individual’s standing, walking, and thinking abilities in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairments (MCI). The transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) technology has been safely and effectively used in hundreds of individuals. The purpose of this study is to test whether a single session of tACS, as compared to sham intervention, improves standing, walking, and thinking in older adults with and without MCI.
If you are 65 or older with no significant neurological conditions, you could be a good fit to participate as a healthy volunteer in this study. Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for treating MCI and improving people’s quality of life.
Study Background
Could brain stimulation (transcranial alternating current stimulation) help older adults with cognitive impairment?
Members of the research team at High Point University have designed a brain stimulation study to understand its effect on an individual’s standing, walking, and thinking abilities in older adults with and without mild cognitive impairments (MCI). The transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) technology has been safely and effectively used in hundreds of individuals. The purpose of this study is to test whether a single session of tACS, as compared to sham intervention, improves standing, walking, and thinking in older adults with and without MCI.
If you are 65 or older with no significant neurological conditions, you could be a good fit to participate as a healthy volunteer in this study. Eventually, the findings of this study might be useful for treating MCI and improving people’s quality of life.
Additional Information
The goal of this research study is to evaluate the effect of a particular type of brain stimulation, called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). We will assess the technology on healthy older adults and adults with mild cognitive impairment to see if it helps improve standing, walking, and thinking.
You may qualify for a study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 65+ years old
- No significant neurological conditions (e.g., dementia, MCI, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease)
- Able to stand and walk without assistance
- No significant psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression, schizophrenia)
- No active cancer
- No history of seizures in the past 2 years
- Able to undergo MRI scan (no metal in the body, no claustrophobia)
In this study, you will be asked to participate in procedures that include performing mental, standing, and walking tests, and measuring brain waves before and after the tACS. You will be asked to complete one baseline visit and two brain stimulation (tACS) visits for a total of three visits.
For the first tACS visit, you will be randomly assigned (like the flip of a coin) to receive a “real” tACS intervention or a “sham” tACS intervention. Whichever one you get, you will then receive the other intervention during the second tACS visit, so during your participation in this study you will receive both the real tACS and the sham stimulation. Visits will be separated by at least a week.
As a participant, you can receive up to $120 for your time and effort.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
