Real-time fMRI Neurofeedback in Patients With MCI

Mild Cognitive Impairment Clinical Trial

Official title: Targeting Hippocampal Hyperactivity With Real-time Functional MRI Based Neurofeedback in Elderly Individuals With and Without Memory Problems

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

Increased activity in the hippocampus (i.e., hyperactivity) during a fMRI memory task was found in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI). Those with increased hippocampal activity exhibited elevated clinical progression. Reducing hippocampal hyperactivity with pharmacological treatment reduced hyperactivity and improved memory performance. The investigators of this study will test whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback will also downregulate hippocampal activity and thereby improve memory performance.

Clinical Trial Description

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an insidious and progressive neurodegenerative disorder accompanied by extracellular deposits of beta-amyloid ( aβ) and the increase of cognitive dysfunctions. Several functional magnet resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in the prodromal stage of AD (i.e., in MCI) have found increased hippocampal activity during a memory task to be predictive of memory worsening and disease progression. In this study the investigators are aiming to reduce hippocampal hyperactivity with real-time fMRI neurofeedback and test whether this will improve memory performance. This study will use a randomized, single-blind, parallel group design. Patients with MCI and healthy participants will be assigned to receive feedback from either the hippocampus (experimental group, N=42) or from another brain area (alternate ROI feedback group, N=42). All participants will be instructed to downregulate activity. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Cognitive Dysfunction
• Mild Cognitive Impairment

• NCT number: NCT04020744
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: University of Bern
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: July 1, 2020
• Completion date: January 31, 2024