Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Enhance Memory in Aging

Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Enhance Memory in Aging

The aim of this study is to determine whether non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation enhances memory formation in cognitively healthy older adults and whether the effects of stimulation depend on gut and brain health.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-30 years or 65-80 years
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision (visual acuity)
• Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant
• Symptoms of memory loss
• History of a neurological, psychiatric, or medical condition that could affect cognition or preclude MRI or pupillometry
• Use of medications known to alter cognition
• For older adults, neuropsychological performance that falls outside 1.5 standard deviations of age-adjusted norms and no self-reported memory or attention complaints