Home-based brain stimulation to improve thinking and movement in older adults at risk of dementia
Official title: Long-term home-based transcranial electrical stimulation for cognitive and motor function in older adults with an increased risk of dementia: a randomized controlled trial
Funded at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged · NIH-10802692 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of brain stimulation done at home can help improve thinking and movement skills in older adults who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and it involves fun activities that reflect everyday challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,167,871 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG081349-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10802692 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who exhibit signs of motoric cognitive risk and are at an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not show signs of cognitive decline or who have already been diagnosed with advanced dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive and motor functions in older adults who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Participants will receive tailored brain stimulation aimed at enhancing brain activity in areas responsible for executive function, while also engaging in dual-tasking activities that mimic real-life challenges. The study will involve 128 older adults who will be randomly assigned to receive either active stimulation or a placebo treatment over a six-month period, with the goal of determining the long-term benefits of this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive and motor functions in older adults, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilot studies have shown promising short-term benefits of tDCS in improving cognitive and motor functions, suggesting potential for success in this larger trial.
Where this research is happening
-
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manor, Bradley D. — Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
- Study coordinator: Manor, Bradley D.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Home-based brain stimulation to help cognition and movement in older adults at risk for dementia
A home-based brain stimulation treatment is being tested to help memory, thinking, and walking in older adults who are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
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Home-based brain stimulation to support thinking and movement in older adults at risk for dementia
This study tests whether delivering gentle electrical stimulation at home can help older adults with motor and thinking difficulties reduce their risk of progressing toward dementia.
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At-home, long-term mild brain stimulation to improve thinking and walking in older adults at higher dementia risk
A personalized at-home mild brain stimulation program aims to improve thinking and walking in older adults with motoric cognitive risk for dementia.
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Home-based brain stimulation to improve thinking and walking in older adults at risk for dementia
This trial uses regular mild home-based brain stimulation to try to improve thinking and walking in older adults with motoric cognitive risk, a condition that raises the chance of developing dementia.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.