Using magnetic stimulation to enhance brain function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Enhancement of Hippocampal Plasticity Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
NA · University of Arizona · NCT03962959
This study is testing whether a new brain stimulation treatment can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment improve their thinking skills and slow down memory loss.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Arizona (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Tucson, Arizona) |
| Trial ID | NCT03962959 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop non-invasive repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocols to prevent cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and those at high risk for Alzheimer's disease. A total of 60 participants aged 50-80 will undergo 30 intervention sessions, each lasting between half an hour to an hour, with MRI and cognitive assessments conducted before and after the interventions. The study will evaluate the effects of three different rTMS protocols over a period of approximately four weeks, with a focus on enhancing hippocampal plasticity and cognitive function.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking individuals aged 50-80 with mild cognitive impairment who can commit to daily sessions for four weeks.
Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders, untreated depression, or contraindications to TMS or MRI may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help prevent or slow cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with rTMS in enhancing cognitive function, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI Group) Inclusion Criteria: * Age 50-80 years * MCI clinical criteria: (a) self- or informant-reported cognitive complaint; (b) preserved independence in functional abilities; and (c) absence of dementia. * Objective cognitive impairment supported by the following measures of general cognitive function: (a) Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) 24-27 (inclusive); (b) Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) 18-26 (inclusive); or (c) Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score of 0.5. * Right handed * English speaking * Able to attend daily intervention (Monday-Friday) for 4 weeks * Not enrolled in another interventional study within 6 months prior to beginning this study Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) * Other neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, head injuries, or multiple sclerosis) * Untreated depression * Current cancer treatment or other medical problems that might independently affect cognitive function * Clinical Dementia Rating Scale score more than 1.0
Where this trial is running
Tucson, Arizona
- Bioscience Research Laboratory — Tucson, Arizona, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yu-Chin Chen, M.D.
- Email: tms-lab@list.arizona.edu
- Phone: 520-626-7755
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.
Conditions: Mild Cognitive Impairment, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation