MRI-guided low-voltage brain stimulation for depression in Parkinson's disease
The Effect of MRI-Guided Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cognitive and Affective Symptoms in Persons With Parkinson's Disease and Controls
This tests whether MRI-guided low-voltage transcranial direct current stimulation (mgTDCS) can reduce depression and apathy and improve working memory in adults with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of South Alabama Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Mobile, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT06467695 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional protocol compares active fMRI-model guided transcranial direct current stimulation (mgTDCS) to a sham (zero-amp) control in adults with Parkinson's disease who have elevated depressive symptoms. Participants complete baseline and post-intervention EEG recordings, self-report mood and apathy measures, and neuropsychological tests of working memory. Treatment is delivered with BIOPAC Stimsola devices across 15 sessions over 4–5 weeks, each session consisting of two 13-minute stimulations separated by 20 minutes of rest. An age-matched non-Parkinson's depressed control group is included to determine whether effects are specific to Parkinson's or generalize to depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 19–65 with a physician-diagnosed Parkinson's disease who score 20 or higher on the Beck Depression Inventory and can travel to the study site for EEG and stimulation sessions.
Not a fit: People with a history of epilepsy or seizure disorders, significant traumatic brain injury, atypical Parkinsonism, those unable to travel to the site, or those outside the 19–65 age range are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, mgTDCS could reduce depressive symptoms and apathy, normalize EEG alpha asymmetry, and modestly improve working memory in people with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous tDCS studies in Parkinson's and depression have shown mixed results, so this fMRI-guided mgTDCS approach is relatively novel and not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 19 to 65 years in age. * Parkinson's Group must have a physician dx of Parkinson's Disease * Must meet exhibit elevated levels of depression on the Beck Depression Inventory (scores of 20 or above). * Must be willing and able to travel of the Psychology Department for EEG and tDCS sessions. * Participants who have undergone surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation implantation may be enrolled if advised to and monitored by their physician. * Read and understand spoken English. Exclusion Criteria: * No history of or being treated for epilepsy or other seizure disorders. * No history of penetrating head wounds or TBI greater than mild TBI. * No history of atypical Parkinson's
Where this trial is running
Mobile, Alabama
- University of South Alabama — Mobile, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John Shelley-Tremblay, PhD — 2514606883
- Study coordinator: John F Shelley-Tremblay, PhD
- Email: jstremblay@southalabama.edu
- Phone: 2514606883
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.