Focused Ultrasound Stimulation of the Cerebellum to Induce Changes in Cognition and Brain Activity

FUS of the Dentate Nucleus and Superior Cerebellar Peduncle of the Cerebellum Induces Changes to EEG Power Bands, Spatiotemporal Dynamics, and Cognitive Function in Healthy Humans

The goal of this preclinical study is to assess the effects of focused ultrasound stimulation to the cerebellum on brain dynamics and cognition in healthy volunteers aged 18 to 40. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does FUS applied to the cerebellum affect cognition?

Does FUS applied to the white matter or gray matter of the cerebellum with the same parameters result in different outcomes?

Researchers will compare active and sham stimulations.

Participants will be asked to complete cognitive tasks after receiving FUS to the cerebellum.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants must not have claustrophobia or anxiety regarding MRI scan.
• Participants must not have current or planned pregnancy.
• Participants must not have history of neurological or psychiatric disorder.
• Participants must not have predisposition for fainting spells (syncope).
• Participants must not have implanted material (e.g., pacemaker, neurostimulator, medication infusion device, cochlear implants).
• Participants must not have medical patch that cannot or may not be taken off (e.g., nicotine patch).
• Participants must not be currently taking psychoactive medication, or must have stopped taking such medication for at least 2 weeks before starting experiment (excluding contraception).
• Participants must not have skin disease on or close to the scalp.
• Participants must not have direct relatives (parents, siblings, children) with epilepsy, convulsion, or seizure.
• Participants must abstain from the use of any recreational drugs in the 48-hour period prior to taking part in the experiment.
• Participants must not consume more than 4 alcoholic units within the 24-hour period before participation.