Using brain stimulation to improve memory and movement in dementia patients
Official title: Multifocal transcranial current stimulation for cognitive and motor dysfunction in dementia
Funded at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged · NIH-10914799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of brain stimulation can help older adults with mild dementia improve their memory, thinking skills, and physical abilities like walking and balance, all with the goal of making daily life a little easier and more enjoyable.
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 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $759,279 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076708-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with mild dementia who experience difficulties with memory and daily activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe dementia or those who do not have cognitive or motor dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how multifocal transcranial current stimulation can help older adults with mild dementia improve their memory, executive function, and physical abilities like gait and balance. By targeting specific brain networks with different types of electrical stimulation, the study aims to enhance daily functioning and quality of life for these patients. Participants will receive tailored stimulation based on their individual brain activity patterns, potentially leading to better outcomes in managing dementia symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the daily functioning and quality of life for patients with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary evidence suggests that similar brain stimulation techniques have shown promise in improving cognitive and motor functions in dementia patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pascual-Leone, Alvaro — Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
- Study coordinator: Pascual-Leone, Alvaro
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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.