Journal: Contemporary clinical trials

Article Title: Augmenting cognitive training in older adults (The ACT Study): Design and Methods of a Phase III tDCS and cognitive training trial

doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.11.017

Figure Lengend Snippet: ACT Conceptual Model. Cognitive training holds promise for reducing the adverse effects of cognitive aging, enhancing neuroplasticity, cognitive efficiency, functional capacity, and quality of life. In theory, coupling cognitive training with an intervention that increases neuroplasticity (e.g., tDCS) could augment training outcomes. We hypothesize that CT leads to improvements in neuroplasticity (GABA MRS) and functional brain response (FMRI). In turn this can lead to improved cerebral metabolic health and structural brain preservation. Coupling cognitive training with tDCS will increase neuroplasticity in brain areas important for working memory, focused attention/executive attention, and processing speed, improve effectiveness of cognitive training, and ultimately cognitive health and functional abilities.

Article Snippet: We will present two FMRI tasks (2-Back, UFOV/Double Decision) using E-Prime 2 software (Psychology Software Tools, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA), with the video signal on a screen behind the participant’s head.

Techniques: Functional Assay, Preserving

Journal: Contemporary clinical trials

Article Title: Augmenting cognitive training in older adults (The ACT Study): Design and Methods of a Phase III tDCS and cognitive training trial

doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.11.017

Figure Lengend Snippet: N-Back fMRI Task. An example of N-Back working memory stimuli presented to participants in scanner. Participants are presented with a fixation crosshair followed by a consonant on the screen and required to determine whether the letter was either an ‘X’ in the 0-Back paradigm or the same as the letter presented “2-back” in the 2-Back paradigm.

Article Snippet: We will present two FMRI tasks (2-Back, UFOV/Double Decision) using E-Prime 2 software (Psychology Software Tools, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA), with the video signal on a screen behind the participant’s head.

Techniques:

Journal: Contemporary clinical trials

Article Title: Augmenting cognitive training in older adults (The ACT Study): Design and Methods of a Phase III tDCS and cognitive training trial

doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2017.11.017

Figure Lengend Snippet: Useful-Field-of-View (UFOV)/Double Decision fMRI Task. An example of a single trial of the UFOV/Double Decision fMRI task. Participants are presented with a fixation crosshair followed by stimulus display where they are required to remember the central presented car or truck and the location of a peripherally presented car amongst a varied level of distractors in the shape of a yield sign. Participants then view a visual mask image to interfere with retinal images created by the prior stimulus and finally response screen that depicts a car or truck in the center box and a car in a location on the periphery. Participants respond yes/no indicating if the response screen matches the stimulus screen.

Article Snippet: We will present two FMRI tasks (2-Back, UFOV/Double Decision) using E-Prime 2 software (Psychology Software Tools, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA), with the video signal on a screen behind the participant’s head.

Techniques: