Targeting hippocampal hyperactivity with real-time fMRI neurofeedback: protocol of a single-blind randomized controlled trial in mild cognitive impairment

BMC Psychiatry

Ronald Sladky¹  Frank Scharnowski¹  Lydia Hellrung²  Amelie Haugg³  Urs Jaun⁴  Charlotte E. Teunissen⁵  Claus Kiefer⁶  Roland Wiest⁶  Andrea Federspiel⁷  Katharina Klink⁸  Jessica Peter⁸  Marina Wunderlin⁸ 

[1] Department of Basic Psychological Research and Research Methods, Vienna University;Department of Economics, Zurich University;Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Zurich University;Department of Technology and Innovation, Inselgruppe AG, Bern University;Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Vrije University;Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging, Institute for Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, Inselspital, Bern University;Translational Research Center, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Bern University;University Hospital of Old Age Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Bern University;

关键词: Hippocampal hyperactivity;    Real-time fMRI;    Neurofeedback;    Pattern separation;    Episodic memory;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12888-021-03091-8

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Several fMRI studies found hyperactivity in the hippocampus during pattern separation tasks in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI; a prodromal stage of Alzheimer’s disease). This was associated with memory deficits, subsequent cognitive decline, and faster clinical progression. A reduction of hippocampal hyperactivity with an antiepileptic drug improved memory performance. Pharmacological interventions, however, entail the risk of side effects. An alternative approach may be real-time fMRI neurofeedback, during which individuals learn to control region-specific brain activity. In the current project we aim to test the potential of neurofeedback to reduce hippocampal hyperactivity and thereby improve memory performance. Methods In a single-blind parallel-group study, we will randomize n = 84 individuals (n = 42 patients with MCI, n = 42 healthy elderly volunteers) to one of two groups receiving feedback from either the hippocampus or a functionally independent region. Percent signal change of the hemodynamic response within the respective target region will be displayed to the participant with a thermometer icon. We hypothesize that only feedback from the hippocampus will decrease hippocampal hyperactivity during pattern separation and thereby improve memory performance. Discussion Results of this study will reveal whether real-time fMRI neurofeedback is able to reduce hippocampal hyperactivity and thereby improve memory performance. In addition, the results of this study may identify predictors of successful neurofeedback as well as the most successful regulation strategies. Trial registration The study has been registered with clinicaltrials.gov on the 16th of July 2019 (trial identifier: NCT04020744 ).

【 授权许可】

Unknown