Participants sought: Can brain stimulation improve memory and attention?

A study participant engages in a memory task

Dr Kate Hoy's team at MAPrc is currently conducting a number of projects looking at the use of brain stimulation for the treatment of cognitive impairment in people with head injuries or with schizophrenia. 



1. Head injury trial
The first is a pilot clinical trial investigating a novel approach for improving cognition following head injury.

After a mild to moderate head injury people can experience difficulties with their attention, concentration and memory. The current research seeks to investigate whether a combination of a non-invasive form of brain stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) with computerised ‘brain training’ is able to help with these difficulties.

This research is aimed at the development of a targeted treatment for cognitive impairment to allow for a more complete recovery following injury.
The study is currently seeking participants:
-    18-65 years
-    have experienced a mild to moderate head injury

2. Schizophrenia
The second project is assessing the clinical value of tDCS in individuals with schizophrenia. The trial is a week-long in duration and involves randomising participants to five active or sham tDCS stimulation sessions. Cognitive assessments will be conducted and brain activity will be recorded via EEG before and after the 5 stimulation sessions to identify changes in cognitive function and the brain changes that may be associated.
The study is currently seeking participants
-    18-55 years
-    diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

For more information please contact:

Dr Kate Hoy, Principal Investigator, MAPrc
Phone: (03) 9076 5034
Email: kate.hoy@monash.edu

Ms Hannah Coyle
Study Coordinator, MAPrc
Phone: (03) 9076 8649
Email: hannah.coyle@monash.edu