Using brain stimulation to improve cognition in Parkinson's disease

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease

This study is testing whether a new brain stimulation technique can help improve thinking skills in people with Parkinson's disease who haven't developed dementia yet.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Ages: 40 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Manitoba (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
• Trial ID: NCT03025334 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease who do not yet have dementia. It aims to address the cognitive deficits that significantly impact the quality of life for these patients, as traditional treatments have limited efficacy for mild cognitive impairment. Participants will be carefully selected based on specific diagnostic criteria and will undergo cognitive evaluations by trained professionals. The study seeks to explore a novel approach to enhance cognitive function in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who are over 40 years old and fluent in English, but do not have dementia.

Not a fit: Patients with dementia or atypical parkinsonian features, as well as those with significant MRI abnormalities or certain medical implants, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could improve cognitive function and overall quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of tDCS for cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease, some studies have shown promising results, indicating that this approach is worth exploring further.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients must meet diagnostic criteria for idiopathic Parkinson's disease, defined as the presence of two or more of the cardinal clinical features of PD in the absence of known causes of parkinsonism such as encephalitis or neuroleptic treatment
* Ability to provide written informed consent
* defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; DSM-5)
* Age \> 40
* fluent in English.
* Patients' cognitive statuses will be evaluated by the participating neuropsychiatrist or a trained psychiatry or neurology resident.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with dementia (defined as a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \< 18)
* Atypical parkinsonian features including myoclonus, apraxia, oculomotor abnormalities, ataxia, sensory loss, or pyramidal signs.
* Abnormal MRI
* metal implants or a cardiac pacemaker
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women (female subjects of child bearing potential will be screened for pregnancy before MRI imaging).
* severe dyskinesia that may interfere with the quality of the scan (e.g., dyskinesia involving head movement).
* severe hypertension.
* cardiovascular disease.
* Patients with a history of seizure, stroke, moderate to severe head injury, high intracranial pressure, severe headaches, or presence of other neurologic disease that may be associated with an altered seizure threshold; or concurrent medication use, such as tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptic medications, or other drugs that are known to lower seizure threshold
* secondary conditions that may significantly alter electrolyte balance or lower seizure threshold.
* Family history of epilepsy.

Where this trial is running

Winnipeg, Manitoba

• University of Manitoba — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ji Hyun Ko, PhD

Conditions Parkinson Disease; Mild Cognitive Impairment