Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Memory Loss
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can help with memory loss. TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain regions, and researchers aim to determine if it can enhance memory by targeting specific areas linked to memory. They are testing various TMS applications to identify the most effective method. This trial may suit adults who speak English as their first language and have normal vision. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on memory improvement techniques.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that transcranial magnetic stimulation is safe for memory loss?
Previous studies have shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is safe and generally easy for people to handle. Research indicates that serious side effects are rare with the single pulse TMS method. This method was tested on individuals with mild memory problems, such as those in early dementia, and proved safe for them.
The theta-burst TMS method shares a similar safety record. Studies show it is well-tolerated with few serious side effects. Some research has even examined its effects on memory and thinking skills, confirming its safety for those with mild memory issues.
Overall, both single pulse and theta-burst TMS methods have been tested in various groups and found to be safe, with serious side effects being uncommon. These findings suggest that TMS is a well-tolerated option for exploring treatments related to memory loss.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the potential of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for memory loss because it offers a new way to directly influence brain activity. Unlike traditional treatments that might rely on medications to enhance memory, TMS uses magnetic pulses to specifically target brain regions involved with memory, such as the hippocampus. The single pulse stimulation aims to precisely activate these memory circuits, while the theta-burst stimulation is designed to sync with the brain's natural rhythms to improve memory encoding. This targeted, non-invasive approach could offer an innovative alternative for patients seeking memory enhancement without the side effects associated with pharmacological treatments.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for memory loss?
Research has shown that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can improve thinking skills, including memory. Studies have found that TMS boosts focus, short-term memory, and word recall. In this trial, participants will receive either single pulse TMS or theta-burst TMS. Single pulse TMS has improved memory in people with memory problems. Meanwhile, theta-burst TMS has shown promising results, enhancing short-term memory and other cognitive skills. This type of TMS positively affects areas like decision-making and attention, which are crucial for better memory. Both TMS methods in this trial have the potential to enhance memory performance.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Joel Voss, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Chicago
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with normal or corrected-to-normal vision who are native English speakers. It's designed to help those experiencing forgetfulness and memory loss.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo noninvasive brain stimulation and intracranial EEG recording to test the effects of HITS on hippocampal network activity
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the stimulation and recording session
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Trial Overview
The study tests how noninvasive brain stimulation, specifically Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), affects memory performance by measuring brain activity through intracranial EEG.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
During task-free periods (fixation cross), HITS will be delivered in a theta-burst rhythm, versus two control non-theta rhythms and no-stimulation control. The investigators will test whether HITS entrains theta in the period immediately following 2-s trains of each condition. The investigators hypothesize that theta-burst HITS will entrain endogenous hippocampal and hippocampal-network theta more than control stimulation. Stimulation will also be delivered within a memory encoding task using naturalistic visual scenes. The investigators hypothesize that hippocampal theta entrainment by HITS will significantly increase during encoding relative to task-free periods, and that this effect will be selective versus the control stimulation conditions. Further, the investigators hypothesize that theta-burst HITS will improve memory relative to the control conditions. Such findings would indicate that HITS influences memory-related hippocampal theta activity.
The investigators will measure neural activity evoked by single pulses of Hippocampal Indirectly Targeted Stimulation (HITS). Stimulation intensity will vary to yield dose-response information. The investigators will also stimulate a control location. The investigators hypothesize that hippocampus/hippocampal-network intracranial EEG (iEEG) activity will respond to HITS, but not to control-location stimulation. Moreover, the selectivity of EPs will vary with HITS intensity, with very high intensities yielding less-selective (off-target) EP responses outside the hippocampal network. Findings consistent with these hypotheses would indicate that HITS directly impacts hippocampal and/or hippocampal-network neural activity
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Chicago
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Efficacy and Safety of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on ...
The reviewed studies provide favorable evidence of improved cognition with TMS across all groups with cognitive impairment. TMS was safe and ...
Efficacy and safety of transcranial magnetic stimulation on ...
The reviewed studies provide favorable evidence of improved cognition with TMS across all groups with cognitive impairment.
An Insight from a Naturalistic Observational Study
The results indicated that TMS significantly improved symptom scores, but no significant cognitive enhancement was observed. Statistical ...
Cognitive outcomes of transcranial magnetic stimulation in ...
Recent studies have shown that TMS improves cognitive functions in areas such as concentration, executive functions, working memory and long-term verbal memory ...
Probing Cortical Excitability and Cognitive Function With TMS
Each single-pulses TMS protocol will last approximately 30 minutes. Combined, this equates to 128 stimuli during the "Single Pulses TMS" paradigms. Throughout ...
Safety and recommendations for TMS use in healthy subjects ...
Safety and recommendations for TMS use in healthy subjects and patient populations, with updates on training, ethical and regulatory issues: Expert Guidelines
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Alzheimer's disease- ...
Combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with EEG offers a promising approach to address some limitations of both rsfMRI and rsEEG.
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