Working memory Now comes the new study, Augmenting Clinical Training in Older Adults: The ACT Study, which will combine tDCS with training for processing speed and working memory. Working memory is the amount of information you can hold in your head and process without losing it: for example, holding a phone number in your head for 30 seconds. With a large sample of 65- to 89-year-old adults — 360 participants across UF and two other McKnight Brain Institute sites, at the University of Miami and University of Arizona — the investigators will examine whether tDCS can strengthen those training effects. “By strengthen, we mean strengthen the size of the training-related gain, strengthen the appearance of that training in brain images and strengthen in terms of improving its generalizability to everyday function,” Marsiske says. Michael Marsiske, PhD tdcs is believed to work by affecting the neuroplastic response of brain tissue. The hope is to maintain the ability to carry out regular yet complex tasks of daily living as long as possible, such as filling a weekly pill reminder box using prescription bottles with varying directions — from “one twice a day” to “every other day” to “take with a meal.” An oversight could result in an inconvenience or a devastating consequence. TDCS is believed to work by affecting the neuroplastic response of brain tissue. This stimulation is showing promise for other conditions as well, such as treatment of depression or pain. It is non-invasive, and to the participant, it feels like tickling or prickling on the scalp. Similar to the ACTIVE clinical trial, which involved 2,802 seniors ages 65 to 96, the newly developed ACT study, or Augmenting Clinical Training in Older Adults, will use BrainHQ, a computer program aimed at training attention, brain speed, memory and other skills. floridaphysician.med.ufl.edu SUMMER 2 0 1 7 | 9
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