Using high-definition brain stimulation to improve cognitive function in early Alzheimer's disease
High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) for Early Alzheimer's Disease
This study is testing whether a special brain stimulation treatment combined with mental exercises can help people with early Alzheimer's disease improve their memory and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Anhui Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hefei, Anhui) |
| Trial ID | NCT04599764 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) combined with cognitive training on patients with early Alzheimer's disease. Participants will undergo cognitive assessments and receive either active or sham HD-tDCS over a period of 10 days. The study employs a double-blind design to ensure unbiased results, with random allocation to treatment groups. The primary outcomes will be measured using various cognitive and neuropsychological tests to assess improvements in memory and cognitive function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease or related conditions, with mild cognitive impairment as indicated by specific cognitive assessment scores.
Not a fit: Patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease or those with significant psychiatric or neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance cognitive function and quality of life for patients with early Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS in cognitive enhancement is being explored, this specific combination with cognitive training in early Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subject diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease or related diseases according to NINCDS-ACDRADA criteria. * Subjects must have a MMSE score between 10 and 27,indicating mild cognitive impairment or dementia * CDR score ≤ 2 * Subject under treatment by IAChE for at least 3 months. * psychotropic treatments are tolerated if they were administered and unchanged for at least 3 months Exclusion Criteria: * CDR \> 2 * Any history or clinical signs of other severe psychiatric illnesses (like major depression,psychosis or obsessive compulsive disorder). * History of head injury,stroke,or other neurologic disease. * Organic brain defects on T1 or T2 images. * History of seizures or unexplained loss of consciousness. * Implanted pacemaker,medication pump,vagal stimulator,deep brain stimulator. * Family history of medication refractory epilepsy. * History of substance abuse within the last 6 months.
Where this trial is running
Hefei, Anhui
- Anhui Medical University — Hefei, Anhui, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kai Wang, PhD
- Email: wangkai1964@126.com
- Phone: +86-0551-62922263
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.