Personalized brain stimulation to enhance mobility in Alzheimer's patients
Modulating Brain Activity to Improve Cognitive-motor Function in Alzheimer's Disease
This study is testing if a special brain stimulation treatment can help improve thinking and walking abilities in older adults with mild Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hebrew SeniorLife Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Roslindale, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT04289402 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effects of a personalized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention on cognitive function and mobility in older adults with mild Alzheimer's disease. The intervention targets the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over 10 sessions, assessing its impact on dual-task standing and walking abilities. By enhancing the excitability of the prefrontal cortex, the study seeks to improve executive functioning and physical independence in participants living in supportive housing. The study employs a randomized sham-controlled design to ensure robust results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men and women aged 65 and older with mild Alzheimer's disease living in supportive housing facilities.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mobility impairments requiring assistance or those with other neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to improved mobility and cognitive function, enhancing the quality of life for patients with mild Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using tDCS for cognitive and mobility enhancement in Alzheimer's is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar interventions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women aged 65 and older living within supportive housing facilities * Mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) defined by the combination of 1) at least mild cognitive impairment defined as a modified TICS score of ≤ 34, 2) informant-report of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living impairment as defined as a score of ≥ 6 on the NACC Functional Activities Questionnaire, and 3) a Clinical Dementia Rating score of 1. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to secure informant participation * Unwillingness to cooperate or participate in the study protocol * An inability to ambulate without the assistance of another person (canes or walkers allowed) * A clinical history of stroke, Parkinson's disease or parkinsonian symptoms, multiple sclerosis, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or other neurological conditions outside of mild AD. * Any report of severe lower-extremity arthritis or physician-diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy * Use of antipsychotics, anti-seizure, benzodiazepines, or other neuroactive medications * Severe depression defined by a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale score greater than 16 * Any report of physician-diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric illness * Contraindications to MRI or tDCS, including reported seizure within the past two years, use of neuropsychological-active drugs, the risk of metal objects anywhere in the body, self-reported presence of specific implanted medical devices (e.g., deep brain stimulator, medication infusion pump, cochlear implant, pacemakers, etc.), or the presence of any active dermatological condition, such as eczema, on the scalp
Where this trial is running
Roslindale, Massachusetts
- Hebrew Rehabilitation Center — Roslindale, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Brad Manor, PhD — Hebrew SeniorLife
- Study coordinator: Peggy Gagnon
- Email: gagnon@hsl.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-971-5303
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.