Memory Enhancement in Aging With Optimal Dosing

This study is looking into ways to improve memory in healthy older adults using a non-drug approach called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). This involves applying a low-intensity electrical current to the scalp to help brain networks that support memory. Researchers are testing different schedules of tACS, including 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day treatments, to find the best way to enhance memory. The goal is to develop drug-free options for memory decline often seen in aging and conditions like Alzheimer's disease. You might be able to join if you are 65 or older, have good vision, and do not have certain medical conditions like metal implants in your head or a history of neurological problems. The study will measure your visual working memory and how well you can stop interruptions at the start, one week, and one month after the treatment.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 240 participants. It is testing different schedules of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS).
What's involved
You would have your memory and brain activity (EEG) measured at the start, one week after treatment, and one month after treatment. The study involves receiving tACS for 1, 3, or 5 days.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for one month after the intervention to measure memory and brain activity.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07461584

Memory Enhancement in Aging With Optimal Dosing

Recruiting
NAAges 65+InterventionalBasic science
Boston University Charles River Campus
~240 participants
Updated 2026-07-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:1-day patterned tACS3-day patterned tACS5-day patterned tACS1-day continuous tACS3-day continuous tACS5-day continuous tACS

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Visual working memory capacity measured behaviorally
Measured over Baseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention
+3 more outcomes measured
Aging
Noninvasive Brain Stimulation
Memory

NCT07461584

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • 111 Cummington Mall

    Boston, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

  • Robert Reinhart, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Boston University Charles River Campus

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

65 years of age or older
normal or corrected-to-normal vision
color vision

Exclusion

pregnant
metal implants in head
implanted electronic devices
history of neurological problems or head injury
skin sensitivity
claustrophobia
dementia (normal Montreal Cognitive Assessment \> 25)
depression (normal Geriatric Depression Scale \< 10)
history of psychosis
cognitive deficits (MoCA\>25)
any psychoactive medication
  • Visual working memory capacity measured behaviorallyBaseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

    Behavioral k-capacity estimate derived from the change-detection task

  • Interruption suppression measured behaviorallyBaseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

    Memory accuracy performance difference between interruption and control trials on the interruption working memory task

  • EEG phase locking value (PLV) during working memory retentionBaseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

    Phase locking value between frontotemporal EEG electrodes within the theta frequency band during the memory retention interval of the visual working memory task

  • EEG phase amplitude coupling (PAC) during working memory retentionBaseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

    Theta phase gamma amplitude cross-frequency coupling at temporal EEG electrodes during the memory retention interval of the visual working memory task