Exercise and brain stimulation for improving memory in patients with vascular cognitive impairment
Exercise as a Primer for Excitatory Stimulation Study in Vascular Cognitive Impairment No Dementia (EXPRESS-V)
NA · Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · NCT05079464
This study is testing whether combining exercise with brain stimulation can help improve memory in people with vascular cognitive impairment who have finished cardiac rehab.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 64 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05079464 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of exercise combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on memory performance in individuals with vascular cognitive impairment who have completed cardiac rehabilitation. Participants will be randomized into four groups: one receiving exercise followed by active tDCS, another receiving treatment as usual with active tDCS, a third group receiving exercise followed by sham tDCS, and a final group receiving treatment as usual with sham tDCS. The study aims to determine if exercise can prime the brain for better stimulation effects, with assessments of cognition, behavior, neuroimaging, and blood biomarkers. The goal is to find effective interventions for improving cognitive function in at-risk populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older with vascular risk factors and mild cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of stroke or significant neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance memory performance and cognitive function in patients at risk of cognitive decline due to vascular issues.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using tDCS for cognitive enhancement, but this specific combination with exercise is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥50 years of age; females must be post-menopausal * Presence of cerebrovascular and/or cardiovascular risk factors or coronary artery disease * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) \<27 * Sufficiently proficient in English * Must be able to exercise at a moderate intensity level * Presence of modest deficits (1 standard deviation below population norm) in one of the following domains: executive function, verbal memory, working memory, or visuospatial memory Exclusion Criteria: * History of stroke * Change in psychotropics within the last 4 weeks * Current benzodiazepine use due * Metal implants that would preclude safe use of tDCS or neuroimaging * Significant neurological or psychiatric conditions (current major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) * MoCA \<18 and/or clinical diagnosis of dementia * Any medical contraindications to exercise
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Krista Lanctôt, PhD — Sunnybrook Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mehreen Siddiqui
- Email: mehreen.siddiqui@sri.utoronto.ca
- Phone: 416-480-6100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Mild Cognitive Impairment, transcranial direct current stimulation, tDCS, exercise, cognition, vascular cognitive impairment no dementia, vascular mild cognitive impairment