Just like a skilled dancer partners with music to create a mesmerizing performance, researchers are exploring the synergistic effects of Speed of Processing (SoP) training and alpha transcranial alternating current stimulation (α-tACS) on cognitive performance in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Previous studies have shown that cognitive training programs combined with non-invasive brain stimulation have had limited success in improving age-related cognitive impairments. In this study, researchers aim to investigate whether combining SoP training with α-tACS can effectively enhance processing speed, as measured by the Useful Field of View (UFOV) test, compared to SoP training or active α-tACS alone. Additionally, they want to assess the transfer effects of improved processing speed on other cognitive domains, such as memory, language, and executive functioning. To delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms, electroencephalography (EEG) will be used to examine brain connectivity and coherence. The study will enroll 327 older adults with MCI in a double-blinded, parallel randomized clinical trial and track their progress for up to 6 months after the intervention. By comprehensively evaluating both the immediate and long-term effects of the interventions, researchers hope to uncover valuable insights into optimizing cognitive performance in individuals with MCI. Excitingly, this research opens up new possibilities for enhancing cognitive abilities as we age!

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 three weeks, participants will receive 9 sessions of the intervention, and then will receive 2 sessions per week (i.e., booster) for the following three 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. Clinicaltrials.gov registry: NCT05198726.

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