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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Baycrest Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | August 13, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT05508841 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
- Study coordinator: Carlos Roncero, PhD
- Email: troncero@research.baycrest.org
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.