Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for MCI

What Is This Study About?

Transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a noninvasive method of applying electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through electrodes placed on the external ear. This study will test the effects of an experimental tVNS treatment on cognitive performance and memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Participants will have one tVNS session and one other session with a week in between, and take cognitive tests and undergo MRI. Researchers will assess changes in memory, cognitive function, and brain activity.

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Must have:

• Diagnosed with amnestic MCI or mild Alzheimer's disease
• Preservation of independence in functional abilities
• Healthy aged adults without MCI to serve as control group

Must NOT have:

• Other medical or neurological conditions that could be associated with significant impaired cognition, such as traumatic brain injury or epilepsy
• Vascular dementia or other neurodegenerative disorder other than Alzheimer's
• Significant depression
• Uncorrected vision or hearing loss
• Unable to undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 

Where Is This Study Located?

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: University of Florida

Collaborator Sponsor

• Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03359902