Olfactory Network Testing with Electro-acupuncture for Subjective Cognitive Decline

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

Researchers will use a multi-center ambispective design to combine fMRI and EEG during an olfactory task with an Oddball paradigm, aiming to map spatiotemporal patterns of entorhinal circuit damage in SCD and develop a middle fusion model of vulnerable brain networks. The study compares active electro-acupuncture to sham acupuncture to see if targeted neural changes correlate with clinical markers. Eligibility focuses on adults 55–79 with SCD, right-handed, and with sufficient education, who can consent and tolerate MRI. The trial seeks to identify biomarkers that predict progression to Alzheimer’s disease and to explore individualized intervention targets. No results are reported yet, and the approach blends neuroimaging with traditional acupuncture therapy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Meet the diagnostic criteria for SCD diseases;
2. 55-79 years old;
3. ≥8 years of schooling;
4. Right-handed;
5. Sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Have received other antidepressant therapy or involved in other clinical trials in the previous 2weeks.
2. Infarct located in the left DLPFC.
3. Positive psychiatric history and major trauma exposure history, such as depression, epilepsy, etc., in the past.
4. Other serious concomitant diseases (aphasia, severe edema, venous thrombosis, arteriosclerosis occlusion, diabetic vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, spinal lesions, brain trauma, intracranial infection, brain tumors, etc.) or secondary diseases (heart, liver, renal failure, etc.).
5. Infection around acupoints and/or intolerance to acupuncture manipulation.
6. MRI or rTMS contraindications (claustrophobia, metal implants, cochlear implants, impulsator, etc.).

Where it's running

• The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School
  Nanjing, Jiangsu, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Bing Zhang
• Email: zhangbing_nanjing@nju.edu.cn
• Phone: 15851803070

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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.