Augmenting Cognitive Training In Older Adults

Cognitive Training employs an eight component, PositScience BrainHQ suite via its researcher portal.

A Soterix Clinical Trials Direct Current Stimulator will apply 20 minutes of 2.0mA direct current through two biocarbon rubber electrodes encased in saline soaked 5cm x 7cm sponges (8cc of 0.9% saline solution per sponge) placed over the frontal cortices at F3 and F4 (10-20 system).

Sham stimulation is performed with the same device and all procedures will be identical except for the duration of stimulation. Participants will receive 30 seconds of 2 mA of direct current stimulation at the beginning of the session. Participants habituate to the sensation of tDCS within 30-60 seconds of stimulation. This procedure provides the same sensation of tDCS without the full duration of stimulation, making it a highly effective sham procedure.

Educational training involves watching educational videos produced by the National Geographic Channel, which cover a range of topics such as history, nature, and wildlife. Participants will be asked to complete questions on the content of the videos to ensure sustained attention.