Effects of tDCS on cognition in mild cognitive impairment

The Effects of Specific Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS on Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Novel Study Protocol

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul Medipol University Hospital · NCT05919485

This study is testing whether a brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstanbul Medipol University Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Antalya, Alanya)
Trial IDNCT05919485 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive skills in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) related to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The study involves a multicenter, randomized, controlled design where participants receive anodal tDCS applied to specific brain regions over 10 sessions within 14 days. Cognitive outcomes will be assessed using neurocognitive tests and brain connectivity will be analyzed through fMRI and EEG at various time points. The goal is to explore the potential cognitive benefits of tDCS and its implications for understanding MCI and Parkinson's disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are literate individuals aged 45-80 diagnosed with Parkinson's disease-MCI or amnestic MCI.

Not a fit: Patients with existing neurological or psychiatric disorders, signs of dementia, or those unable to undergo fMRI or tDCS may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new non-invasive treatment options that help preserve cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with tDCS in cognitive enhancement, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Providing an informed consent;
2. Literate and between 45-80 years of age;
3. 60 females and 60 males;
4. Diagnosed with PD based on criteria suggested by UK Parkinson's Disease Society, Brain Bank and PD-MCI in accordance with the diagnostic criteria suggestions by Litvan;
5. Diagnosed with aMCI based on diagnosis criteria (CDR\>0.5) suggested by Petersen;
6. On a stable pharmacological treatment minimum for one month with no washout period.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Illiterate or education level less than primary school
* Having an existing and/or prior neurological disease; psychiatric disease or head trauma; and/or irreversible hearing or sight problems or other medical illness (e.g. diabetes mellitus, hypertension);
* Exhibiting signs of dementia for PD group ;
* Having medical issues that prevent undergoing fMRI or for tDCS application.

Where this trial is running

Antalya, Alanya

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Alzheimer DiseaseParkinson DiseaseMild cognitive impairmentAlzheimer's diseaseParkinson's diseaseTranscranial direct current stimulation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.