NCT07461584

Brief Summary

This project optimizes high-resolution transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) to improve memory in healthy older adults, advancing drug-free approaches for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). We test stimulation schedules and develop an adaptive, brain-guided tACS system to strengthen memory-supporting networks.

Trial Health

77
On Track

Trial Health Score

Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach

Enrollment
240

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for not_applicable

Timeline
55mo left

Started Jun 2026

Longer than P75 for not_applicable

Geographic Reach
1 country

1 active site

Status
recruiting

Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.

Trial Relationships

Click on a node to explore related trials.

Study Timeline

Key milestones and dates

Study Progress4%
Jun 2026Jan 2031

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

February 9, 2026

Completed
29 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

March 10, 2026

Completed
3 months until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

June 1, 2026

Completed
4.7 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

January 31, 2031

Expected
Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

January 31, 2031

Last Updated

July 22, 2026

Status Verified

July 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

4.7 years

First QC Date

February 9, 2026

Last Update Submit

July 21, 2026

Conditions

AgingNoninvasive Brain StimulationMemory

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

  • Visual working memory capacity measured behaviorally

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

    Baseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

  • Interruption suppression measured behaviorally

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

    Baseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

  • EEG phase locking value (PLV) during working memory retention

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

    Baseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

  • EEG phase amplitude coupling (PAC) during working memory retention

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

    Baseline, 1-week after intervention, 1-month after intervention

Study Arms (6)

1-day patterned tACS

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 1-day patterned tACS

3-day patterned tACS

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 3-day patterned tACS

5-day patterned tACS

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 5-day patterned tACS

1-day continuous tACS

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 1-day continuous tACS

3-day continuous tACS

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 3-day continuous tACS

5-day continuous tACS

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: 5-day continuous tACS

Interventions

1-day continuous tACSDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

1-day continuous tACS
3-day continuous tACSDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

3-day continuous tACS
5-day continuous tACSDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

5-day continuous tACS
1-day patterned tACSDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

1-day patterned tACS
3-day patterned tACSDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

3-day patterned tACS
5-day patterned tACSDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

5-day patterned tACS

Eligibility Criteria

Age65 Years+
Sexall
Healthy VolunteersYes
Age GroupsOlder Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

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

You may not qualify if:

  • 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

Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.

Sponsors & Collaborators

Study Sites (1)

111 Cummington Mall

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

RECRUITING

Study Officials

  • Robert Reinhart, PhD

    Boston University Charles River Campus

    PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Robert Reinhart, PhD

CONTACT

(617) 353-9481rmgr@bu.edu

Study Design

Study Type
interventional
Phase
not applicable
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
DOUBLE
Who Masked
PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
Purpose
BASIC SCIENCE
Intervention Model
CROSSOVER
Sponsor Type
OTHER
Responsible Party
SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

First Submitted

February 9, 2026

First Posted

March 10, 2026

Study Start

June 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

January 31, 2031

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 31, 2031

Last Updated

July 22, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share

Locations

US(1)