The mechanism underlying memory impairment caused by white matter lesions of cerebral small vessel disease is still unclear. The disrupted synchronization of gamma oscillations in the prefrontal-hippocampal circuit is a potential key mechanism. Our study has demonstrated that white matter lesions lead to demyelination of the connection tracts between the prefrontal lobe and hippocampus, which is closely related to memory dysfunction. However, further studies are required to explore if these microstructural changes in white matter tracts influence memory function by affecting gamma oscillations. Thus, this project will use the previously established episodic memory task and event-related potential to determine the changes in gamma oscillations in the prefrontal-hippocampal circuit and the effects on memory encoding and retrieval. Combining multimodal imaging, we will explore the mediating role of white matter microstructure damage, and establish a machine learning prediction model for memory impairment. In addition, transcranial alternation current stimulation (tACS) will be used to investigate the mechanisms of memory improvement by regulating the prefrontal-hippocampal gamma oscillations. This project will clarify the neural oscillation mechanism underlying memory impairment caused by white matter lesions of cerebral small vessel disease, with the expectation of providing new predictive indicators and interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• - Individuals with cerebral small vessel disease, normal cognition or mild cognitive impairment subjects;
• Participants with complete demographic data, neuropsychiatric scale assessments, imaging data, and EEG data.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe aphasia, physical disability, or other conditions preventing completion of neuropsychological assessments;
• History of cerebrovascular stroke with documented neurological deficits during onset and corresponding lesions on neuroimaging;
• Neurological disorders that may cause cognitive impairment, including alcohol abuse, drug addiction, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, encephalitis, or normal-pressure hydrocephalus;
• Systemic diseases potentially contributing to mild cognitive impairment (e.g., hepatic/renal insufficiency, endocrine disorders, vitamin deficiencies);
• Current diagnosis of major depressive disorder or psychiatric disorders.

Elderly population