Does Vagus Nerve Stimulation Improve Executive Function?
We are looking for healthy people to help us learn how gently stimulating the vagus nerve through the ear affects thinking skills like decision-making and problem-solving.
Why this Research Matters
Executive function is a set of higher-order cognitive abilities that help people to plan, solve problems, and stay focused. People with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke may have trouble with these skills. This study wants to learn how gentle, non-invasive stimulation of the vagus nerve affects these skills.
What to Expect
If you join this study, you will get stimulation of the vagus nerve and stimulation that does not target the vagus nerve. You will not know which type you are getting. You will have one in-person visit. During this visit, you will do thinking tasks while getting non-invasive stimulation. We will also check your heart rate, eye movements, brain activity, and breathing. You will fill out surveys about your quality of life and how well you can do daily activities.
Study Duration
You will have one 2-hour study visit.
Who can Participate
You may be able to join this study if you are between 18 and 65 years old and do not have any major health problems.
Study ID
Protocol Number: 24-2546
Compensation Information
Meet the Team
Principal Investigator