TRAINSTIM: Improvement of memory functions in older adults by training and non-invasive brain stimulation

Study Description:
The aim auf this project was the investigation of neuronal correlates and underlying mechanisms of non-invasive electrical stimulation in older adults of work and retirement age.Furthermore stimulation-induced effects on episodic memory functions were examined as well as the difference of these effect between age groups and compared to a young control group. We used in-vivo magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and well as functional and structural connectivity assessments in order to probe associated neuronal correlates.

On the basis of the results, we wanted to develop a new training paradigm for working and episodic memory in order to examine the efficiency of a combined approach (computer-based training during stimulation) in a home-based context. The aim was to induce long-lasting effects not only on trained by also other tasks as well as activities of daily living.

Principle Investigator: Prof. Dr. med. Agnes Flöel (WG Cognitive Neurology, NCRC, Neurology CCM)

Registration:The study is registered in the database:

• clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02794259)
• clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02794272)
• clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02794298)
• clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02795702)
• clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02839993)

Course of the study:

• Trainstim 1: 10/2015 - 12/2016
• Trainstim 2: 03/2016 - 01/2017

Publications:
Antonenko, D., M. Faxel, U. Grittner, M. Lavidor, and A. Floel. "Effects of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Cognitive Functions in Healthy Young and Older Adults." Neural Plast 2016 (2016): 4274127. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4274127. Link

Antonenko, D., F. Schubert, F. Bohm, B. Ittermann, S. Aydin, D. Hayek, U. Grittner, and A. Floel. "Tdcs-Induced Modulation of Gaba Levels and Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Older Adults." J Neurosci 37, no. 15 (Apr 12 2017): 4065-73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0079-17.2017. Link

Hayek, D., D. Antonenko, A. V. Witte, S. M. Lehnerer, M. Meinzer, N. Kulzow, K. Prehn, D. Rujescu, A. Schneider, U. Grittner, and A. Floel. "Impact of Comt Val158met on Tdcs-Induced Cognitive Enhancement in Older Adults." Behav Brain Res 401 (Mar 5 2021): 113081. 
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113081. Link