Investigating the effects of electrical stimulation on dementia patients
Official title: Investigating the Effect of Different Frequencies of Transcranial Electrical Stimulations Paired With Cognitive Training on the Executive Brain Functions in Dementia Population
Run by University of Manitoba · NCT06547021 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing different types of electrical stimulation to see if they can help improve thinking skills in older adults with dementia when combined with brain exercises.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winnipeg) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | August 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 14, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06547021 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults aged 50 to 95 with mild cognitive impairment or early to moderate dementia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with Parkinson's disease, major mood disorders, or significant communication impairments may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study explores the impact of various transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) waveforms on older adults with dementia, aiming to identify the most effective stimulation when combined with cognitive exercises. It is a placebo-controlled, double-blind study involving approximately 100 participants with mild cognitive impairment or early to moderate dementia. Participants will undergo four different tES protocols in a randomized order over a period of about one and a half years, with assessments conducted before, immediately after, and one month post-treatment. The study also incorporates advanced monitoring techniques to evaluate neuronal changes during the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life for patients with dementia.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on electrical stimulation for cognitive enhancement, this specific approach combining multiple tES protocols is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * MoCA score between 5 and 24 * Between the age of 50 and 95 years old Exclusion Criteria: * Being diagnosed with Parkinson's, Parkinsonian dementia, Huntington disease, speech significant aphasia and intellectual disability, major depression/anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or any other major mood disorder. * Having a History of epileptic seizures or epilepsy * Inability to adequately communicate in English * Impaired vision or hearing severe enough to impair performance in cognitive tests * Current substance abuse disorder * Currently participating in another therapeutic study for dementia * Change to medication for Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or depression
Where it's running
-
Riverview Health Centre
Winnipeg, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Shelly Rempel-Rossum
- Email: Shelly.rempelrossum@umanitoba.ca
- Phone: 204-789-3389
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.