Understanding how anxiety treatment affects brain function in older adults with dementia

Mechanism, connectivity, and outcome prediction of anxiety intervention from MRI-derived models in tDCS augmented cognitive training

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-10997645

This study is looking at how certain treatments, like brain stimulation and mental exercises, can help older adults with Alzheimer's and related conditions who are feeling anxious, with the goal of finding better ways to support their mental health.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10997645 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of anxiety interventions on older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It utilizes transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training to explore how these treatments influence brain connectivity and individual responses. By employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the study aims to identify specific brain regions involved in the treatment response, which could lead to more personalized care for patients experiencing anxiety alongside cognitive decline.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease who also experience anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease, or those who do not experience anxiety, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved anxiety treatments that enhance the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using tDCS for treating anxiety, but this specific approach focusing on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.