TACS to Engage Theta-Gamma Coupling and Enhance Working Memory in Patients With MCI (tACS-MCI)
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study is looking at a new non-invasive brain stimulation methods called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to see if it can improve working memory and thinking processes in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). tACS is a low-risk, non-painful, low electrical current that circulates through the brain of awake participants and stimulates their brain cells. Participants must be 60 years of age and have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Participants will undergo treatment sessions that range from 1 to 1.5 hours at CAMH, 5 days a week, over a total of 2 weeks. In addition, participants will complete clinical and cognitive assessments and bloodwork at baseline and again after treatment.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 60 years or above, 2. Diagnosis of MCI due to AD using the core clinical criteria by the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association for MCI participants (NIA-AA) and ascertained by a study investigator. The following checklist will be used to ascertain the MCI diagnosis: 1. Cognitive concern reflecting a change in cognition reported by patient or informant or clinician (i.e., historical or observed evidence of decline over time) 2. Not demented ascertained using the study investigator opinion. 3. No vascular, traumatic, or medical causes of cognitive decline ascertained using the study investigator opinion. 4. Evidence of longitudinal decline in cognition, when feasible, and ascertained using the study investigator opinion. 3. Objective evidence of single or multi domain MCI, where single domain MCI refers to deficits using neuropsychology (NP) battery on only one of the cognitive domains (Speed of Processing; Working Memory; Executive Functionin