TMS and MRI Study - Tucson, AZ

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TMS and MRI Study - Tucson, AZ

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Details

  • Location: Brain Imaging and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Laboratory
  • Age: 50 to 80
  • Duration: 1 day
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Next Steps

If interested please contact Mark Sundman at 520-626-7755 or marksundman@email.arizona.edu

Eligibility Requirements

For this study, we intend on enrolling individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and are between the ages of 50 and 80.

Unfortunately, you will be unable to participate if any of the following apply:

  • history of neurological disease, fainting, or seizures
  • any electrical implant
  • cochlear implant
  • you are pregnant
  • recent drug withdrawal
  • have any implanted metal in your body.

About the Study:

Generally speaking, the brain has many different “pathways” of communication. In various disease states, such as dementia, these pathways of communication breakdown. When using TMS, we are able to excite the brain tissue underneath the magnetic coil – and, essentially, this “turns on” a pathway of communication that we want to study.

Purpose:

This study is being conducted to better understand functioning of the brain through healthy aging and the disease processes contributing to dementia. Right now, it is difficult to diagnose an individual with dementia because there is no reliable way to distinguish between the forgetfulness of healthy aging and the early signs of dementia. In this study, we are investigating a new method that may be more sensitive to these early signs of disease and, therefore, aid in future diagnoses.

What is Involved:

This study involves the integration of two emerging technologies.

  1.  Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – This is similar to any MRI prescribed by your doctor. Our expertise, however, provide images at improved resolution. Essentially, with the same machine, we will be able to get clearer pictures.
  2. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) – this is a non-invasive method of “brain stimulation”. It involves placing a magnetic coil on the surface of your head. The magnetic coil is about the same strength as MRI. When this coil is turned on and off quickly, it can excite the neurons in the brain tissue located directly under the coil.

If you decide to participate, you will be asked to complete one testing session located in the bioscience research building (1230 N. Cherry Ave, Tucson, AZ 85721). We estimate this testing session will last approximately 3 hours. Participants will receive $60 for completing the study.

Location Information:

Brain Imaging and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Laboratory

1230 N. Cherry Ave

Tucson AZ 85721
United States

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Click Here to Learn More

Next Steps

If interested please contact Mark Sundman at 520-626-7755 or marksundman@email.arizona.edu