Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 55 and up

Exploring the link between mild cognitive impairment and mild traumatic brain injury

Official title: Pathways Relating Amnestic MCI to a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury History

Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT05446584 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a new brain stimulation treatment can improve memory in people with mild cognitive impairment who have also had a mild traumatic brain injury.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment75 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 20, 2023
Main results expectedMay 1, 2027
Study endsMay 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJuly 20, 2026
Trial IDNCT05446584 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 55 and older with an active diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment, with or without a history of mild traumatic brain injury.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a recent history of mild traumatic brain injury or significant neurological or psychiatric disorders 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 whether biological changes in individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are associated with a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Participants will undergo ten study visits, starting with a blood draw and memory evaluation, followed by randomization into one of three conditions of high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS). Each participant will experience active or sham stimulation over three consecutive days, with memory assessments conducted after each condition. The study aims to understand the effects of HD-tDCS on memory in relation to mTBI history.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with a history of mild traumatic brain injury.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific combination of HD-tDCS and amnestic mild cognitive impairment is novel, similar studies using HD-tDCS for cognitive enhancement have shown promising results.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Active diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment
2. Presence of an mTBI history for the mTBI+ group; absence of an mTBI history for a control sample
3. Female and male subjects
4. All races/ethnicities
5. Age 55 years and older
6. Fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Mild traumatic brain injury within past year
2. Lifetime history of moderate or severe brain injury
3. Lifetime major neurologic syndromes (e.g., stroke, epilepsy, brain tumor)
4. Lifetime major cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart attack, heart failure)
5. Current substance use disorder
6. Current major psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder)
7. Current vision or hearing impairment that interferes with testing
8. Any electronic and or metallic implants in the skull or brain
9. Current medication use known to alter HD-tDCS reactivity

Where it's running

  • University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, Texas, United States
    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.