Improving memory in patients with schizophrenia using brain stimulation techniques
Transcranial Electrical Stimulation Combined With Interim Testing Promotes Temporal Memory in Patients With Schizophrenia
This study is testing whether two types of brain stimulation can help improve memory for pictures in people with schizophrenia.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Northeast Normal University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lanzhou, Gansu) |
| Trial ID | NCT06562504 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on temporal order memory deficits in patients with schizophrenia. Participants will undergo a learning phase where they memorize sequences of pictures, followed by a testing phase to recall the images. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of two different stimulation strategies on memory retention. A total of 75 patients will be recruited, and their cognitive performance will be assessed before and after the interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with schizophrenia who are stable on antipsychotic medication.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments due to neurological disorders or those with substance-induced mental disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive functioning and memory retention in patients with schizophrenia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that brain stimulation techniques can improve cognitive functioning in schizophrenia, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Meeting the diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5); 2. Aged 18 years or older, regardless of gender, with an educational level of elementary school or above; 3. All patients received stable-level antipsychotic medication treatment, were in a stable phase of disease treatment, able to understand the testing requirements, and cooperated to complete all research tasks; 4. No history of neurological disorders or other serious physical illnesses, and no history of intellectual disability; 5. No color blindness, color weakness, or other color vision impairments, with normal vision or corrected vision. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clear cognitive impairment caused by somatic or cerebral organic lesions, such as cerebrovascular diseases, traumatic brain injury, etc; 2. Individuals with mental disorders caused by substance dependence or abuse, or the use of psychoactive substances; 3. History of brain injury or other central nervous system-related organic diseases; 4. Individuals at significant risk of suicide or harming others; 5. Participation in similar experiments in the past 30 days prior to baseline.
Where this trial is running
Lanzhou, Gansu
- Northwest Normal University — Lanzhou, Gansu, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Xiaofeng Ma, Professor — Northwest Normal University
- Study coordinator: Tiantian Li, Doctor
- Email: psylitiantian@outlook.com
- Phone: 13909483531
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.