Personalized high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation for posterior cortical atrophy
Testing Personalized High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) as a Treatment of Posterior Cortical Atrophy
This trial will test whether personalized HD-tDCS can improve visual and thinking abilities in people with posterior cortical atrophy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07191327 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, sham-controlled protocol gives participants either real or sham HD-tDCS across eight sessions over four days, followed by an optional open-label phase of real HD-tDCS extending up to 26 weeks. Imaging (fMRI and PET/CT) and standardized memory, visual, and computerized cognitive tests are used before and after treatment to measure change. The approach uses individualized stimulation targeting and compares active stimulation to a placebo-like sham. Remote long-term visits are possible but require a study partner to administer stimulation at home, and participants must meet language and medical compatibility requirements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with a diagnosis or symptoms consistent with posterior cortical atrophy who are fluent in English, medically compatible with HD-tDCS, and on stable relevant medications.
Not a fit: Patients with other primary neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, large-vessel stroke, moderate–severe TBI), active major psychiatric illness, recent substance or alcohol abuse, or who are incompatible with HD-tDCS are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a noninvasive option to improve visual processing and cognitive function for people with PCA.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller tDCS studies in related dementia and visual-processing conditions have shown mixed, preliminary results, so personalized HD-tDCS is promising but remains experimental for PCA.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis or symptoms consistent with PCA * Fluent in English * HD-tDCS compatible * Stable on relevant medications for at least approximately 4 weeks prior to study enrollment * If completing any additional, optional, long-term study visits in a remote location (i.e., not our office), a study partner is required in order to administer HD-tDCS. Those choosing to return to our office may have, but are not required to have, a study partner. Exclusion Criteria: * Other relevant neurological disease (e.g., epilepsy) or injuries (e.g., large vessel stroke, moderate-severe traumatic brain injury) viewed as primary to deficits since these could interfere with etiologic considerations and confound study results * Active, relevant psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) since the symptoms of these conditions may confound study participation. * A recent (e.g., within the past 2 years) significant history of, or current, alcohol or drug abuse/dependence. Remote history of abuse/dependence is not exclusionary as long as it is not considered to be the primary etiology for visuospatial deficits. * Women that are lactating/breastfeeding, pregnant, or may potentially be pregnant will be excluded from the study.
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Benjamin Hamstead, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Stephen Schlaefflin, BS
- Email: schlst@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-936-7360
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.