Improving memory in dementia with exercise and brain stimulation
Exercise Augmenting Cognition tDCS (EXACT): A Pilot Study of a Combined Exercise and Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Intervention for Cognition
This study is testing if combining exercise with a brain stimulation technique can help improve memory in people with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT03670615 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the combined effects of exercise and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on improving cognitive outcomes in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: exercise with active tDCS, treatment as usual with tDCS, or exercise with sham tDCS. The study aims to determine if this combination can enhance memory function by targeting active brain areas. Cognitive assessments, neuropsychiatric evaluations, and biomarker analysis will be conducted throughout the study.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 and older with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer's disease who can read and communicate in English.
Not a fit: Patients with significant neurological conditions, current psychiatric disorders, or those on certain medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved memory and cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using tDCS for cognitive enhancement, but the combination with exercise is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males or females ≥50 years of age * DSM-5 criteria for major or mild neurocognitive disorder due to AD or mixed AD/vascular disease * Mild severity of impairment (standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥19) * Read and communicate in English Exclusion Criteria: * Change in cognitive enhancing medications (ChEIs and/or memantine) less than 3 months prior to study screen * Change in anticonvulsants or psychotropic medications less than 1 month prior to study screen * Currently taking benzodiazepines * Presence of metal implants that would preclude safe use of tDCS (e.g. pace-maker) * Significant neurological condition (e.g. epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) * Current psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis) or current substance use disorder * Medical contraindications to increasing activity level according to the Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology Questionnaire
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mehreen Siddiqui
- Email: mehreen.siddiqui@sri.utoronto.ca
- Phone: 416-480-6100
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.