Speed of Processing (SoP) Training Plus α-tACS in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Double Blind, Parallel, Placebo Controlled Trial Study Protocol

Abstract

Several cognitive training programs, alone or in combination with non-invasive brain stimulation have been tested in order to ameliorate age-related cognitive impairments, such as the ones found in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). However, the effects of Cognitive Training (CT)-combined or not-with several forms of non-invasive brain stimulation have been modest at most. We aim to assess if Speed of Processing (SoP) training combined with alpha transcranial alternating current stimulation (α-tACS) is able to increase speed of processing as assessed by the Useful Field of View (UFOV), when comparing to SoP training or active α-tACS alone. Moreover, we want to assess if those changes in speed of processing transfer to other cognitive domains, such as memory, language and executive functioning by using the NIH EXAMINER. We also want to test the mechanisms underlying these interventions, namely brain connectivity and coherence as assessed by electroencephalography (EEG). To that purpose, our proposal is to enroll 327 elders diagnosed with MCI in a double-blinded, parallel randomized clinical trial assessing the effects of combining SoP with alpha endogenous tACS (either active or sham) in people with MCI. Participants will perform an intervention that will last for 15 sessions. For the first 3 weeks, participants will receive nine sessions of the intervention, and then will receive two sessions per week (i.e., booster) for the following 3 weeks. They will then be assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention has ended. This will allow us to detect the immediate, and long-term effects of the interventions, as well as to probe the mechanisms underlying its effects. Clinical Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05198726.

Keywords: EEG; MCI (mild cognitive impairment); NIBS and cognition; cognitive training; tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation).

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the protocol.

Figure 2

Schematic representation of the two first conditions of the Speed of Processing (SoP) task. Panel (A) represents condition 1, with only one target. Panel (B) represents condition 2, in which a second target is added (i.e., diamond).

Figure 3

Schematic representation of the overall procedure, including session procedure. Follow-up assessments will start 1 month after the intervention has ended.