Improving memory in multiple sclerosis patients using brain stimulation
Treatment of Cognitive Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis With High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help improve memory and thinking skills in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas at Dallas Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richardson, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT05958381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on enhancing verbal retrieval and cognitive functions in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active tDCS or sham treatment over ten sessions, with assessments conducted before, immediately after, and two months following the intervention. The study will also explore how baseline cognitive assessments and concussion history may influence treatment outcomes. By comparing the two treatment arms, the research seeks to determine the potential benefits of tDCS in addressing cognitive deficits associated with multiple sclerosis.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who exhibit memory retrieval deficits.
Not a fit: Patients with acute MS exacerbations, severe neurological disorders, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve memory retrieval and cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in cognitive rehabilitation is gaining interest, this specific application in multiple sclerosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: º Diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) º Memory retrieval deficit based on neuropsychological testing done in our lab º Must be fluent in speaking and reading English. Exclusion Criteria: º Relapse or acute MS exacerbation or a course of steroids in the two months preceding the testing º Participants using benzodiazepines must have been on a stable dose for at least two months º Potentially confounding psychological or neurological disorder, including: * dementia of any type * epilepsy or other seizure disorders * severe traumatic brain injury * brain tumor * present drug abuse * stroke * blood vessel abnormalities in the brain * Parkinson's disease * Huntington's disease º inability to give informed consent º cranial implants º skull defects that affect tDCS administration º use of medications that interact with or potentially interact with tDCS effects, including: * anti-convulsants * L-dopa * carbamazepine * sulpiride * pergolide * lorazepam * rivastigmine * dextromethorphan * D-cycloserine * flunarizine * ropinirole * stimulants (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine/modafinil/armodafinil) must be stopped during enrollment
Where this trial is running
Richardson, Texas
- The University of Texas at Dallas — Richardson, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John Hart, Jr, MD — The University of Texas at Dallas
- Study coordinator: Ashna Adhikari, MS
- Email: Ashna.Adhikari@UTDallas.edu
- Phone: 972-833-3161
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.