Home-based brain stimulation to improve thinking and walking in older adults at risk for dementia
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
['FUNDING_R01'] · HEBREW REHABILITATION CENTER FOR AGED · NIH-11172587
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HEBREW REHABILITATION CENTER FOR AGED (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11172587 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will use a personalized home device that delivers mild electrical stimulation to the left front part of the brain (dlPFC) while your walking and thinking are measured with a smartphone app. After a 2-week open phase where everyone receives stimulation, participants are randomized to continue real stimulation five times weekly for six months or to a delayed-start sham group. The trial is double-blinded and sham-controlled and conducted across multiple sites, with much of the treatment and testing done at home. Researchers will monitor changes in dual-task walking, executive function, brain imaging markers, and safety over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults identified with motoric cognitive risk (MCR) who can use a home device and smartphone and do not have contraindications to brain stimulation.
Not a fit: People without MCR, those with more advanced dementia, or those with implanted electronic devices or other medical contraindications may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve executive thinking and dual-task walking and possibly lower future dementia risk.
How similar studies have performed: Small pilot studies have shown short-term improvements in dual-task gait and executive function with tDCS, but long-term benefits remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- 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.
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, Alzheimer's disease or related dementia