Exploring how Alzheimer's affects response to brain stimulation therapy
Understanding How Alzheimer's Disease Impacts the Therapeutic Response to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baycrest Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05508841 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease who can perform specific cognitive tasks.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or significant heart disease may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While some studies have shown promise with tDCS in cognitive enhancement, this specific approach of varying stimulation intensity is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Baycrest Health Sciences — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carlos Roncero, PhD
- Email: troncero@research.baycrest.org
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.