Investigating the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation on cognitive exercises in dementia patients
Official title: Longitudinal Study to Investigate Different Treatment Protocols of Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Individuals With Dementia
Run by University of Manitoba · NCT06877312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether different types of brain stimulation combined with mental exercises can help improve thinking skills in people with dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 95 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Manitoba Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 9, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2030 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2033 |
| Registry record updated | December 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06877312 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults with a MoCA score between 5 and 24 who can communicate in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with major mood disorders, significant cognitive impairments, or other neurological conditions 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 research explores the impact of various frequencies of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) combined with cognitive exercises over a longitudinal study period. Participants will receive different tES treatments, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and multiple frequencies of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), in a randomized order. The study will also utilize innovative monitoring technologies, such as Virtual Reality Navigation (VRN) and functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to assess changes in cognitive function and brain activity. Each treatment phase lasts four weeks, followed by a 12-week wash-out period, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the interventions. Participants can choose background music during cognitive exercises to enhance their experience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to personalized and effective non-invasive treatments for cognitive impairment in dementia patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on tES for cognitive enhancement, this specific combination of methods and longitudinal approach is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ability to read, write and speak English fluently * MoCA score between 5 and 24 Exclusion Criteria: * Being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, 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 * Plan to change the medication during any treatment period (5 weeks including the pre-post assessments)
Where it's running
-
Riverview Health Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba, 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.