Home-based brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease
Safety and Feasibility of Tele-supervised Home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease
This study is testing if a home-based brain stimulation device can help people with Parkinson's disease feel better and if it's safe and easy to use.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 6 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brigham and Women's Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06804668 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using tele-supervised home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for individuals aged 40 to 70 with Parkinson's Disease. Participants will receive training during an in-person visit on how to use the tDCS device, followed by daily home use for a week, with video calls for support on the second and third days. The study will assess any side effects and ease of use through online questionnaires, while also measuring potential improvements in motor symptoms through standard movement assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 to 70 diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease who can provide informed consent and have access to necessary technology.
Not a fit: Patients with psychiatric symptoms, cranial metal implants, cardiac pacemakers, epilepsy, or severe movement disturbances may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a convenient and effective non-invasive treatment option for managing motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, aged between 40 and 70, who provide verbal and written informed consent will be included. Patients should have access to a computer system for video calls and completing the questionnaires, and they must be able to use it. Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric symptoms such as moderate or severe depression * Cranial metal implants * Cardiac pacemaker * Epilepsy, stroke * Substance abuse * Inability to adjust the neoprene cap with the electrodes independently due to movement disturbances
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael D Fox, MD, PhD — Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Study coordinator: Leila Montaser Kouhsari, MD, PhD
- Email: lmontaser@bwh.harvard.edu
- Phone: (617) 732-7547
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.