Testing stronger brain stimulation to improve naming ability in Alzheimer's patients
Investigating if a Stronger tDCS Intensity is More Effective for Improving Naming Ability in People Living With Alzheimer's Disease
This study is testing if stronger brain stimulation can help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease improve their naming skills better than the usual strength.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Baycrest Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05509387 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at a higher intensity of 4.0 mA compared to the conventional 2.0 mA in improving naming abilities in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. The goal is to determine if a stronger stimulation can lead to more significant improvements in cognitive function, particularly in naming tasks. Participants will undergo tDCS treatment alongside naming training to assess the impact on their cognitive abilities. The study aims to clarify the optimal parameters for tDCS to enhance its clinical application for Alzheimer's and Frontotemporal dementia.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease who have a MoCA score between 18 and 25.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of stroke, traumatic brain injury, or significant heart disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective non-pharmacological treatments for cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown variable success with tDCS, but this specific approach of increasing stimulation intensity is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mild to Moderate AD * Score between 18 and 25 on the MoCA * Score on the Cambridge Naming Task during the pre-assessment Exclusion Criteria: * No history of stroke or TBI * No shunts or metal in the body * No history of significant heart disease, alcoholism and drug use
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Baycrest Health Sciences — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Carlos Roncero, PhD
- Email: troncero@research.baycrest.org
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.