Understanding Brain Mechanisms Involved in Autobiographical Memory Using High-density Electroencephalography and Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation
The overall objective of this project is to characterize the spatiotemporal dynamics of brain oscillations underpinning autobiographical memory (ABM) and the modulation of the memory network using non-invasive brain stimulation.
⁃ Cognitively-Unimpaired Younger and Older Adults
• Age 18 to 35 years old (younger adults)
• Age 55+ years old (older adults)
• without any cognitive impairment (based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: MoCA)
• willing and capable to give informed consent for participation in the study after it has been thoroughly explained able
• willing to comply with all study requirements informed consent form was signed
⁃ Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) patients
• Age 55+ years old
• Clinical Diagnosis of MCI
• Confirmation of diagnosis will be made by the study MD based on a holistic consideration of the participant's cognitive evaluation and history
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥ 18 (Mild AD ≥ 21)
• CDR ≥ .5
• Demonstration or history of autobiographical memory impairments
• On a stable dose of medications for memory loss including cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine) or memantine as defined as 6 consecutive weeks of treatment at an unchanging dose
• Minimum of completed 8th-grade education
• willing and capable to give informed consent for participation in the study after it has been thoroughly explained - note that to ensure this in the case of the MCI participants, a cut-off of MOCA score \>18 will be applied
• able and willing to comply with all study requirements informed consent form was signed