NCT07722598

Brief Summary

This project optimizes high-resolution tACS to improve memory in healthy older adults, advancing drug-free approaches for ADRD. We test stimulation schedules and develop an adaptive, brain-guided tACS system to strengthen memory-supporting networks.

Trial Health

65
Monitor

Trial Health Score

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

Enrollment
160

participants targeted

Target at P75+ for not_applicable

Timeline
34mo left

Started May 2028

Typical duration for not_applicable

Status
not yet 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

First Submitted

Initial submission to the registry

July 18, 2026

Completed
5 days until next milestone

First Posted

Study publicly available on registry

July 23, 2026

Completed
1.8 years until next milestone

Study Start

First participant enrolled

May 1, 2028

Expected
2.8 years until next milestone

Primary Completion

Last participant's last visit for primary outcome

January 31, 2031

Same day until next milestone

Study Completion

Last participant's last visit for all outcomes

January 31, 2031

Last Updated

July 23, 2026

Status Verified

July 1, 2026

Enrollment Period

2.8 years

First QC Date

July 18, 2026

Last Update Submit

July 21, 2026

Conditions

AgingNoninvasive Brain StimulationMemory

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

  • 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, Day 2

  • Interruption suppression measured behaviorally

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

    Baseline, Day 2

  • 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, Day 2

Study Arms (4)

Peak Frequency

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: Peak Frequency

Phase Lag

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: Phase Lag

Peak Frequency + Phase Lag

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: Peak Frequency + Phase Lag

Non-Adaptive

EXPERIMENTAL
Device: Non-Adpative

Interventions

Peak FrequencyDEVICE

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

Peak Frequency
Peak Frequency + Phase LagDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp tailored to individual peak frequency and phase lag with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

Peak Frequency + Phase Lag
Phase LagDEVICE

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

Phase Lag
Non-AdpativeDEVICE

Device: High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation Low-intensity, noninvasive application of electrical current to the human scalp not tailored to individual peak frequency or phase lag with the goal of modulating levels of neuronal excitability.

Non-Adaptive

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 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

July 18, 2026

First Posted

July 23, 2026

Study Start (Estimated)

May 1, 2028

Primary Completion (Estimated)

January 31, 2031

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 31, 2031

Last Updated

July 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

IPD Sharing
Will not share