Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 50 to 90

Exploring how Alzheimer's affects response to brain stimulation therapy

Official title: Understanding How Alzheimer's Disease Impacts the Therapeutic Response to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

Run by Baycrest · NCT05508841 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a stronger type of brain stimulation therapy can help people with Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal dementia improve their thinking skills better than the usual strength.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages50 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment42 (estimated)
SponsorBaycrest
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 1, 2022
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2025
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedAugust 13, 2024
Trial IDNCT05508841 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease who can perform specific cognitive tasks.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or significant heart disease may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on individuals with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). The researchers aim to determine the optimal stimulation parameters, specifically testing a higher intensity of 4.0 mA compared to the conventional 2.0 mA, to enhance therapeutic responses. By assessing cognitive improvements through tDCS combined with cognitive training, the study seeks to identify which patients may benefit most from this intervention. The variability in previous studies' results prompts this investigation to refine treatment approaches for better clinical outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective therapeutic options for patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Frontotemporal dementia.

How similar studies have gone: While some studies have shown promise with tDCS in cognitive enhancement, this specific approach of varying stimulation intensity is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Mild to Moderate AD
* Score between 18 and 25 on the MoCA
* Able to do the N-Back task during the initial screening

Exclusion Criteria:

* No history of stroke or TBI
* No shunts or metal in the body
* No history of significant heart disease, alcoholism and drug use

Where it's running

  • Baycrest Health Sciences
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.