Mental strategy training
Description:
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology begins at least a decade before the onset of clinical symptoms. One of the emerging neuroimaging markers for AD risk prediction is hippocampal activity, measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during memory tasks. In AD, hippocampal activity is typically reduced compared to healthy individuals. However, in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a prodromal stage of AD, hippocampal activity is significantly increased. This hyperactivity has been linked to memory deficits, accelerated cognitive decline, and faster disease progression.
Pattern separation, a cognitive process heavily reliant on the hippocampus, is particularly affected in MCI, leading to excessive hippocampal activation. A previous study demonstrated that real-time fMRI neurofeedback can reduce hippocampal hyperactivity and enhance pattern separation performance. This method allows participants to regulate specific brain activity through mental strategies, guided by real-time feedback on their brain activity.
While the findings were promising, real-time fMRI neurofeedback is not a scalable treatment option. To address this limitation, the most effective downregulation strategies were identified and are now being tested in a follow-up study. The objective is to determine whether these strategies can independently modulate hippocampal activity and improve pattern separation performance without the need for neurofeedback. Additionally, the study aims to assess the optimal frequency of applying these strategies for sustained effectiveness.
Procedure:
- MRI Sessions: Participants will complete a memory task while being in an MRI scanner. MRI data acquisition will include structural and functional data and will be done 4 times. This will allow researchers to assess changes in brain activity following group training.
- Group trainings: Participants will attend group training session at the UPD Bern. During this session, they will practice mental strategies such as relaxation techniques, which have been previously shown to help regulate brain activity.
Depending on the group assignment, participants will practice mental strategies 2, 4 or 6 times for one hour. Regardless of training frequency, all participants will undergo four MRI scans throughout the study. Additionally, blood samples will be collected to assess metabolic and genetic variables.
Eligibility criteria:
- 60–80 years of age
- No psychiatric or neurological disease
- No psychotropic medication
- No history of drug or alcohol abuse
- No metal implants in the head (e.g., pacemaker, brain stimulator)
- Memory concerns or a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment
- Fluent in German
Compensation:
- 50.- CHF flat rate for travel expenses.