Using brain stimulation and digital training to improve cognitive function in older adults
Official title: Association of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation with Digital Cognitive Training for Cognitive Remediation in Older Adults
Run by Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro · NCT06733714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a combination of brain stimulation and digital training can help improve thinking skills in older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 2, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 13, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06733714 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy individuals over 50 years old who are experiencing cognitive complaints.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe psychiatric or neurological disorders, or those with contraindications to tACS, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study explores the combination of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) and Digital Cognitive Training (DCT) to address cognitive decline in older adults, particularly those with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease. Participants will undergo five daily sessions of DCT while receiving tACS targeting the Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex. The study aims to assess the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects of this combined intervention on cognitive function and to investigate the underlying neural mechanisms through neurophysiological measurements and serum biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel non-pharmacological treatment option for cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the combination of tACS and cognitive training is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar interventions for cognitive enhancement.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy subjects over 50 years old, with cognitive complaints Exclusion Criteria: * Estimated Intelligence Quotient \<80 * Dependence on psychoactive substances (DSM-V) * Severe psychiatric or neurological disorders * Uncorrected visual/hearing problems * History of syncope for an unexplained reason or seizure less than a year ago * Previous stroke * Use of anticoagulants * Intracranial metallic prosthesis or cardiac pacemaker * Any contraindication to performing tACS
Where it's running
-
Clínica da Memória - IPUB / UFRJ
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rogerio Panizzutti, Professor — Ufrj
- Study coordinator: Rogerio Panizzutti, Professor
- Email: rogerio.panizzutti@ipub.ufrj.br
- Phone: +55:21-3938-5588
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.