Non-invasive Nerve Stimulation and Cognitive Training to Improve Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults

Decline in brain health and associated loss of cognitive function in healthy aging decreases quality of life.We need better tools to both enhance brain health and improve cognitive performance in healthy brain aging so that it can be delayed, reduced, or even reversed. The present proposal is designed to evaluate the pairing of cognitive training with a non-invasive neurostimulation technology that has shown promise in both increasing neuroplasticity and in enhancing cognitive performance, transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS).

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy individuals willing to commit to study requirements Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological disorders to include traumatic brain injury. * Evidence of dementia . * Major psychiatric illness * Unstable and chronic medical conditions. * MRI contraindications (e.g., pregnancy, claustrophobia, metal implants that are contraindicated for MRI). * Physical impairment precluding motor response or lying still or walking * Hearing or vision deficits that will not allow for completion of assessments