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Restructuring the Alpha-Gamma Code in Aging Vision
Rescuing Visual Perception in Aging Adults by Restructuring the Alpha-Gamma Neural Code
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18+ years of age or older * normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity, color vision, and stereo vision Exclusion Criteria: * not pregnant, * no metal implants in head, * no implanted electronic devices, * no history of neurological problems or head injury, * no skin sensitivity, * no claustrophobia, * no dementia (normal Mini Mental State Examination between 24-30; Montreal Cognitive Assessment \> 25) * no depression (normal Beck Depression Inventory II \<13; Geriatric Depression Scale \< 10) * no ophthalmological diseases (e.g., strabismus, glaucoma, cataract, macular degeneration) * no history of psychosis * no cognitive deficits (MMSE score\>24; MoCA\>25) * cannot be taking any psychoactive medication.
About the study
Tests whether age-related visual deficits arise from disrupted alpha-gamma coupling in visual cortex (V1) and MT. Uses fMRI, source-resolved HD-EEG, and personalized complex-waveform HD-tACS to (1) quantify aging effects on phase-amplitude coupling, (2) drive PAC into a preferred "gamma-at-alpha-troughs" state, and (3) bidirectionally change perception by aligning gamma to alpha troughs vs peaks. Two five-day, double-blind, sham-controlled studies (n=120 each) target contrast sensitivity (V1) and 3D shape-from-motion (MT), aiming for mechanistic insight and remediation in older adults with implications for ADRD.
What is being tested
- High definition transcranial electrical current stimulation (device)
Sponsor: Boston University Charles River Campus · Participants: 240 · Started: Apr 2, 2026
Contact the study team
- Robert Reinhart, PhD · Phone: (617) 353-9481
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07208318
Locations in the U.S.
| Massachusetts | 111 Cummington Mall, Boston University, Boston |
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.