The Working Memory and Plasticity Lab (PI: Dr. Susanne Jaeggi), in UC Irvine, is currently conducting an experiment involving brain stimulation in older adults. This study looks at the effects of a safe, noninvasive neurostimulation device, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), on improving memory and learning in older adults. The general format of the study consists of 7 sessions over a span of 3 weeks and a 3-month follow-up. You must be right-handed, fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine, and between the ages 65 and 85. Participants will receive $100 for the nine sessions and $25 for the follow-up.
Description
The Working Memory and Plasticity Lab (PI: Dr. Susanne Jaeggi), in UC Irvine, is currently conducting an experiment involving brain stimulation in older adults. This study looks at the effects of a safe, noninvasive neurostimulation device, called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), on improving memory and learning in older adults. This work builds off previous studies we did with older adults diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment and also younger adults, who received daily stimulation while undergoing memory training exercises. Now, we are interested in seeing how the effects play out with healthy older adults! Throughout the experiment, participants will train their memory skills while receiving gentle electrical stimulation to the scalp. By doing this, we hope to not only get a better understanding of how tDCS interacts with brain activity but also to assess potential long-term enhancement in memory, across different age groups. We will also be looking at brain changes over the course of the study, in which participants will undergo two MRI scans. MRI is a safe, noninvasive imaging tool that uses strong magnetic fields to make detailed images of the brain. The general format of the study consists of 7 sessions over a span of 3 weeks and a 3-month follow-up. You must be right-handed, fully vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine, and between the ages 65 and 85. Participants will receive $100 for the nine sessions and $25 for the follow-up. Parking costs will be covered. Please contact the lab manager, Ariel Tan, by email (ariel.tan@uci.edu) or phone (949-824-2439) for more information.
Study Schedule:
The general format of the study consists of 7 sessions over a span of 3 weeks and a 3-month follow-up.
Week 1:
1. Lab Visit #1 at UCI (Wednesday, Thursday OR Friday): 2 to 3 hours
Week 2:
2. Training Sessions #1-5 at UCI (every weekday): 60 minutes each
-Ideally, we would like you to come in during the following schedule:
#1: Monday
#2: Tuesday
#3: Wednesday
#4: Thursday
#5: Friday
Week 3:
3. Lab Visit #2 at UCI (Monday): 2 to 3 hours
Due to the nature of memory studies, the weeks have to be consecutive and we won’t be able to rearrange days once it’s been scheduled. However, we are very flexible with time. We are located on the main campus in Irvine. Our office hours are Mondays-Fridays between 9am-5pm, but we can start earlier or end later than that.
Studies activities may include:
Visiting the lab to play games on a tablet, receiving brain stimulations, undergoing MRI scans, answering surveys, remembering words, completing computerized tasks