Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Unlock the Secrets of Ageing Brains Through P300 Brain-computer Interface Games

This study is looking into how mild memory problems, called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), affect the ageing brain. We'll use a safe and painless method called Electroencephalography (EEG) to record the brain's natural electrical signals. This helps us see how the brain works without any surgery. We're particularly interested in how a special brain-controlled game might help people with MCI. This game uses your brain signals to pick letters on a screen. By studying how different settings in this game affect brain signals in people with and without MCI, we hope to learn more about memory and thinking processes. The goal is to see if this technology could eventually help manage MCI symptoms and improve brain function.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Sheffield

Enrolment target

Start

15 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

14 Jul 2025

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

What is this study about?

This study is all about understanding how our brains change as we get older, especially when someone has mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI means a person has slight problems with their memory or thinking skills, which are more than expected for their age, but not severe enough to be dementia. We want to learn more about these changes in the brain.

To do this, we'll use a special tool called Electroencephalography (EEG). Don't worry, it's completely safe and doesn't hurt. It involves placing small sensors on your head to record the natural electrical activity of your brain. Think of it like listening to the brain's internal chatter. By looking at these patterns, we can get clues about how the brain is working. Many doctors already use EEG to check for different brain conditions.

A key part of our research involves a brain-computer interface (BCI) game. This is a special type of game where you use your brain activity to control things on a screen, like picking letters. We want to see how people with and without MCI interact with this game. By carefully adjusting the game's settings, we hope to understand how these changes affect brain signals and how well the game works. Ultimately, this research could open doors to new ways of helping people with MCI and supporting healthy brain ageing.

Key takeaways

This study investigates mild memory problems (MCI) and brain ageing.
It uses a safe, non-invasive brain scan called EEG.
Participation involves playing a brain-controlled game.
There are no medications and no direct health benefits for participants.
The findings could help develop future support for MCI.
You can withdraw at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we're looking for older adults who either have been diagnosed with mild memory or thinking problems (Mild Cognitive Impairment or MCI), or who do not have these problems and will join as a comparison group. You need to be able to see well enough (even with glasses or contact lenses) and be able to sit comfortably for about an hour at a time.

It's important that you can understand what the study involves and follow instructions. You also need to be able to give your permission to take part.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your memory problems are very severe, or if you have another serious illness like certain heart or lung conditions, or a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Also, if you've had seizures in the last year, have had epilepsy triggered by flashing lights, or have an allergy to latex, you won't be able to participate. We want to make sure the study is safe and appropriate for everyone involved.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have mild memory issues (MCI) or am I a healthy older adult without these issues?
Can I see clearly (with glasses/contacts if needed)?
Can I sit comfortably for about an hour?
Can I understand instructions and give my permission to take part?
Have I had any seizures in the last year or ever had epilepsy triggered by flashing lights?
Do I have any serious ongoing medical conditions like active cancer or severe heart/lung disease?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll visit our study centre. We'll start by making sure you clearly understand the study and answering any questions you have. You'll then be asked to sign a consent form. You'll undergo a brief memory and thinking test (called the MoCA test).

The main part of your participation will involve wearing a cap with small sensors on your head to record your brain's electrical activity (EEG). While wearing this, you'll be asked to complete a task where you identify moving dots and play the special brain-controlled game. This game involves using your brain signals to pick letters on a screen. You won't be given any feedback during the game. Each session, including breaks, should take around 60 minutes.

There are no medications or follow-up visits involved in this study after your initial participation. The total time commitment for you would be one single visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help us learn more about how mild memory and thinking problems affect the brain, which might lead to better ways to help people in the future. For you personally, there are no immediate medical benefits, but some people find contributing to research rewarding. The main procedure, EEG, is very safe and non-invasive, with no known risks beyond very minor skin irritation from the sensors, which is rare. You will not receive any medication or treatment as part of this study. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The University of Sheffield
Verified postcode
Sheffield, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

MCI means you have some memory or thinking problems that are a bit more than usual for your age, but they're not severe enough to be called dementia.

What is an EEG and will it hurt?

EEG stands for Electroencephalography. It's a completely safe and painless test that records your brain's natural electrical signals using small sensors on your head. It does not hurt at all.

What is a brain-computer interface (BCI) game?

It's a special game where you use your brain's electrical signals to control things on a screen, like choosing letters. It's not mind-reading, but a way for your brain signals to interact with technology.

Do I have to take any medicine for this study?

No, this study does not involve any medication or new treatments. It's purely about understanding brain activity.

How long will my participation take?

Your participation will involve one single visit, lasting roughly an hour, including breaks.

How to find out more

Mahnaz Arvaneh

m.arvaneh@sheffield.ac.uk +44 1142225649 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.