# Network-targeted theta-burst stimulation for episodic memory improvement in mild cognitive impairment

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2020 · $714,824

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) affects millions of people in the US and worldwide, and is becoming an increased
burden on individual and society. Individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are at greater
risk for development of AD. A reliable method of treatment for individuals with aMCI could help not only to
improve the lives of elderly individuals with memory impairment, but also potentially prevent or delay the
development of AD. Theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation
method that shows promise for improving memory and may be applied to brain areas that are functionally
connected to the hippocampus in order to restore memory function. Because the ability to apply stimulation to
modify memory functions depends on the application of stimulation at distinct and specific sites in the complex
neuronal circuitry underlying these functions, neuroimaging guided targeting of TBS treatment will provide
individualized tailoring of therapeutic intervention needed for maximum efficacy. The proposed project will
therefore implement a novel high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) guided TBS method
to improve hippocampal-cortical connectivity and consequent episodic memory in elderly aMCI individuals with
and without genetic risk for AD. Functional MRI, scalp electroencephalography (EEG), and genetic testing will
also be used to characterize brain network changes and genetic factors that are associated with TBS related
memory restoration. The implications of TBS related memory restoration to patients affected with disorders of
memory is of great significance and of urgent need. The proposed project will therefore develop a novel
method for memory enhancement, characterize associated brain changes, contribute to the understanding of
hippocampal-cortical networks and their role in memory, and ultimately provide a novel therapeutic approach to
human memory disorders. The data from this project will demonstrate a proof-of-concept that TBS can be used
to improve memory in aMCI, and will launch an emerging and pivotal area of research that will provide
therapeutic interventions for patients afflicted with life debilitating cognitive disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10035098
- **Project number:** 1R01AG068317-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** ANDREW F LEUCHTER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $714,824
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-15 → 2025-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10035098

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10035098, Network-targeted theta-burst stimulation for episodic memory improvement in mild cognitive impairment (1R01AG068317-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10035098. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*