Noninvasive Brain Stimulation on Memory in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment and History of Brain Injury

High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Episodic Memory in Individuals With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and History of TBI

The study will examine the efficacy of high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and its influence on episodic memory in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment and a history of Traumatic brain injury. Ten sessions of HD-tDCS to the dorsal anterior cingulate region is expected to result in improvements in episodic memory measures immediately following the last session and at a 3-month follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 50 and older
• Native English speakers
• 12 years of education or higher
• Active diagnosis of aMCI
• History of TBI based on VA/DOD criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

• TBI within the past 2 years
• Lifetime history of stroke, transient ischemic attack, heart attack, or congestive heart failure
• Lifetime history of epilepsy
• Major psychiatric disorders (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
• Substance use disorder
• Has metal fragments in head
• Taking medications that may interact with the HD-tDCS effect (i.e., amphetamines, L-dopa, carbamazepine, sulpiride, pergolide, lorazepam, dextromethorphan, D-cycloserine, flunarizine, or ropinirole)