Enhancing Attention in Elderly Using a Brain-Computer-Interface

Part of paid clinical trials in Austin, Texas.

Sponsor
University of Texas at Austin
Study ID
NCT07441122
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
18 Years - 90 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • transcranial electrical stimulation — DEVICE
    tACS is delivered as a pre-task neuromodulatory intervention intended to prime neural activity before cognitive assessment. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals will be recorded from subjects as they perform nback tasks. The neural correlates of attention will be processed and decoded in real-time using machine learning algorithms to provide feedback. Subjects are instructed to assume a mental state/find a strategy to maximise the accuracy of feedback. In total, each subject will complete 5 sessions of nback training with this intervention.
  • Mindfulness Meditation — BEHAVIORAL
    A relaxation protocol based on mindfulness meditation will be carried out. This consists of closing the eyes and focusing on breathing and relaxing for a period of 5 minutes. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals will be recorded from subjects as they perform nback tasks. The neural correlates of attention will be processed and decoded in real-time using machine learning algorithms to provide feedback. Subjects are instructed to assume a mental state/find a strategy to maximise the accuracy of feedback. In total, each subject will complete 5 sessions of nback training with this intervention

Study Details

Cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to maintain cognitive performance despite age-related changes or neuropathology. Enhancing cognitive reserve is thought to delay cognitive decline and improve functional outcomes in aging and neurodegenerative conditions. Attention and memory-related neural processes are considered key contributors to cognitive reserve, yet it remains unclear whether these neural markers can be deliberately strengthened through targeted training and non-invasive interventions. The goal of this clinical study is to investigate whether mindfulness-based meditation and non-invasive brain stimulation can enhance neural markers of attention and memory that serve as proxies for cognitive reserve in cognitively healthy adults and older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Investigators hypothesize that strengthening these neural markers will lead to measurable improvements in cognitive reserve-related functions in both healthy aging and MCI populations. This study further hypothesizes that neural markers of attention can be selectively enhanced using an electroencephalography (EEG)-based brain-computer interface (BCI) combined with non-invasive interventions such as mindfulness-based relaxation or neuromodulation. During the study, participants will perform a computerized memory task while their EEG signals are recorded in real time. A BCI will analyze these signals to decode the presence or absence of the P300 event-related potential, a well-established neural marker of attentional control and cognitive resource allocation. Real-time feedback and intervention will be used to modulate these neural processes with the goal of promoting adaptive changes in attention-related brain activity. By integrating EEG-based decoding, behavioral training, and non-invasive interventions, this study aims to determine whether targeted modulation of attention-related neural activity can support cognitive reserve in aging and mild cognitive impairment.

Key Dates

Start date
Sep 1, 2026
Status verified
Jun 2026
Primary completion
Feb 1, 2028
Completion
Feb 1, 2029

Study Design

Enrollment
100 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Active Comparator: Behavior-based Attention control with Meditation
    Subjects complete an nback task after a meditation intervention in which ground truth visual feedback is provided at the end of each run.
  • Active Comparator: Behavior-based Attention control with Open-Loop tACS
    Subjects complete an nback task after a tACS intervention in which ground truth visual feedback is provided at the end of each run.
  • Experimental: EEG-based Attention Control and Meditation
    Subjects complete an nback task in which EEG-based visual feedback is provided after each trial
  • Experimental: EEG-Based Attention Control and Open-Loop tACS
    Subjects complete an nback task in which EEG-based visual feedback is provided after each trial

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in neural correlates of attention across different intervention sessions [ Time Frame: From enrollment to the end of the study after 3 days (young adults) or 8 days (older adults) ]

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Engineering Education and Research CenterAustinTexas78712
José del.R Millan, PhD (PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR)

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By research site
Engineering Education and Research Center· Austin, TX

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