Using brain stimulation to improve cognitive function in stroke patients

The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University

Not applicable Interventional The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University · NCT06386614

This study is testing whether a brain stimulation treatment can help improve thinking skills in stroke patients while they receive regular care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Dalian, Liaoning and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06386614 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on cognitive impairment in stroke patients. Participants will receive standard treatment alongside tDCS, and their cognitive function and plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be assessed. The study aims to establish a correlation between BDNF levels and cognitive function in these patients, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for post-stroke cognitive impairment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are stroke patients aged 40-80 with documented cognitive impairment and specific MoCA or MMSE scores.

Not a fit: Patients with severe aphasia or those unable to cooperate with evaluations and treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could enhance cognitive function in stroke patients, improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using tDCS for cognitive enhancement, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* (1)Stroke patients with CT or MRI imaging evidence, among which ischemic stroke met the diagnostic criteria of Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke 2018, and cerebral hemorrhage diseases met the diagnostic criteria of Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebral hemorrhage 2019; (2) There are symptoms related to cognitive dysfunction; Cognitive dysfunction was assessed by rehabilitation physicians. According to the MoCA evaluation standard,MoCA score ≤26 points; according to the MMSE evaluation standard, illiteracy score ≤17 points; primary school education level ≤20 points; secondary school education (including secondary school) level ≤22 points; college education (including junior college) level ≤23 points; (3)Age range 40-80 years old; (4) no obvious aphasia, speech expression and attention can cooperate with the completion of evaluation and treatment; (5)The patient or the patient's family members read and agree to sign the informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) Patients with severe diseases, such as malignant arrhythmia, acute myocardial infarction and acute heart failure, who cannot tolerate rehabilitation treatment; (2) Patients with untreated intracranial aneurysms, severe epilepsy, and intracranial metals who cannot receive tDCS treatment; (3) Non-PSCI patients with cognitive impairment, including patients with cognitive impairment left over from previous stroke and other organ disorders.

Where this trial is running

Dalian, Liaoning and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stroke
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.