Network-guided, personalized brain stimulation for behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This double-blind, randomized trial compares real versus sham network-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over two weeks in adults with Alzheimer's disease. Each participant receives an individualized stimulation target based on MRI data aligned to a predefined behavioral network, with outcomes assessed before and after treatment through cognitive and neuropsychiatric measures. Participants and raters are unaware of group assignment, and only one researcher handles randomization. The study aims to determine safety and potential efficacy of this personalized approach, enrolling 40 participants total to achieve adequate statistical power.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* 1.Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease according to the 2011 NIA-AA diagnostic criteria. 2.Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 10 and 24; 3.Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score between 0.5 and 2; 4.Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) score ≥4; 5.Education duration ≥5 years, or ability to complete the required cognitive and neuropsychological assessments; 6.Age ≥50 years and right-handedness; 7.Stable use of anti-dementia medications, including an NMDA receptor antagonist and/or cholinesterase inhibitors, for at least one month before rTMS intervention; 8.The patient and his or her family member or legal representative are able to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Recevied rTMS treatment in the past 3 months. 2. Depression or other psychiatric disorders. 3. History of head injury, stroke, epilepsy or other neurologic disease. 4. Organic brain defects on T1 or T2 images. 5. History of unexplained loss of consciousness. 6. Implanted pacemaker, medication pump, vagal stimulator, deep brain stimulator, or any implanted medical device that is incompatible with MRI. 7. Family history of medication refractory epilepsy. 8. History of substance abuse within the last 6 months.

Where it's running

• Anhui Medical University
  Hefei, Anhui, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Kai Wang
• Email: wangkai1964@126.com
• Phone: +86-0551-62922263

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.