Home-based brain stimulation for behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease
Home-based tDCS for Behavioral Symptoms in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD)
This study is testing if a gentle brain stimulation technique can help people with Alzheimer's and related conditions feel less anxious, depressed, and irritable.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05478681 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the acceptability and safety of using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) who exhibit behavioral symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. The intervention involves administering active tDCS to assess its efficacy in alleviating these symptoms. Participants will include ADRD patients who have a caregiver willing to assist and meet specific eligibility criteria. The study aims to provide insights into a non-invasive treatment option for managing behavioral symptoms in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who exhibit clinically-meaningful behavioral symptoms and have a supportive caregiver.
Not a fit: Patients with unstable medical conditions, a history of brain surgery, or current substance use disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new, non-invasive treatment option for managing behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using tDCS for various neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for ADRD.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * have ADRD and clinically-meaningful behavioral symptoms * have a caregiver willing to participate in the study * can speak and read English * have stable doses of medications for at least one month Exclusion Criteria: * any unstable concurrent medical conditions * history of brain surgery * seizure * intracranial metal implantation * current alcohol/substance use disorder
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kendra M Anderson, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Kendra M Anderson, PhD
- Email: Kendra.M.Anderson@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 486-0513
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.