Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Aging
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help older adults with memory concerns improve brain function and walking speed. Participants will receive either the actual treatment or a sham version while walking and performing mental tasks. The trial seeks individuals who have noticed a decline in memory or thinking, do not have dementia, can walk unaided for ten minutes, and have a family history of Alzheimer's disease. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research that could enhance memory and mobility in older adults.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it mentions that medications altering cortical excitability may affect eligibility. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
What prior data suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is safe for older adults with subjective cognitive decline?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe for adults, including older individuals. A review of over 1,000 participants found tDCS safe for adults, teenagers, and the elderly. Another study confirmed its practicality and safety, even for frail older adults.
While some studies have shown mixed results regarding cognitive benefits, the safety record remains strong. Participants in various studies experienced only minor side effects, such as tingling or a mild headache.
Overall, evidence suggests that tDCS is well-tolerated and unlikely to cause significant side effects in older adults.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for aging because it offers a non-invasive way to potentially boost brain function. Unlike traditional treatments for cognitive decline that often involve medication, tDCS uses low electrical currents applied to the scalp to stimulate the brain directly. This method targets the vestibular cortex, which may help improve balance and spatial orientation, areas that often decline with age. The promise of enhancing cognitive abilities without drugs makes this approach particularly appealing.
What evidence suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation is effective for aging-related cognitive decline?
Research suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) might aid memory and thinking skills as people age. Some studies have found that tDCS can enhance mental performance in older adults, especially when combined with brain exercises. However, its effectiveness varies among individuals. In this trial, participants will join either an active stimulation group or a sham stimulation group to assess the effects of tDCS. While some older adults experience benefits, others may not notice any changes. Nonetheless, researchers consider tDCS a promising method to support brain health in aging adults.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Rachael Seidler
Principal Investigator
University of Florida
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults who feel their cognitive abilities have declined but do not show clinical signs of dementia or mild cognitive impairment. They must be able to walk unassisted, speak English, and have at least an 8th-grade reading level. A family history of Alzheimer's disease is required, along with normal scores on specific neuropsychological tests.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-test
Participants perform a walking + spatial navigation task to establish baseline behavioral scores
Treatment
Participants receive either active or sham tDCS while performing walking + spatial navigation tasks
Post-test
Participants undergo MRI scans to assess changes in brain network segregation
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Trial Overview
The study examines if brain function related to balance and walking can be improved in aging adults using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Participants will receive either real or sham tDCS while walking and doing mental tasks over three sessions, with MRI scans before and after the treatment.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Placebo Group
Transcranial direct current stimulation, bilateral, 2 mA, applied to the vestibular cortex.
The tDCS electrodes are applied and the current ramps up and then down, resulting in a very effective sham condition.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Citations
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Transcranial ...
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed as a possible method for remediating age-associated cognitive decline in the older adult ...
2.
frontiersin.org
frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2024.1454755/fullA meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current ...
One study found that tDCS combined with CT led to significant improvements of cognitive performance in older adults with dementia (Byeon, 2019).
Increased variability in response to transcranial direct ...
Our results revealed that older adults exhibited substantially higher response variability than young adults during active, but not sham, tDCS. This effect was ...
Optimization of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ...
This review highlights the mixed effectiveness of tDCS in enhancing cognitive functions among healthy older adults. While several studies reported improvements ...
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Transcranial Direct ...
Results: The results showed that both studied methods caused a significant reduction in depression in both the post-test and follow-up periods, ...
Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation with cognitive ...
Thus, tDCS has been shown to exert cognitively remediating effects per se in healthy older adults, though somewhat mixed and variable [25].
Feasibility and Safety of Sequential Transcranial Direct ...
This study provides preliminary evidence about the feasibility, safety, and challenges to combine PT and tDCS in very frail older adults.
8.
frontiersin.org
frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.765370/fullSafety and Feasibility of Tele-Supervised Home-Based ...
We found that the home-based, remotely-supervised, study companion administered, multi-channel tDCS protocol for older adults with MDD was feasible and safe.
9.
soomamedical.com
soomamedical.com/publications/safety-of-transcranial-direct-current-stimulation-evidence-based-update-2016/Safety of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation: Evidence ...
Based on data from over 1,000 participants and ... The review concluded tDCS as safe to use in adult, adolescent and elderly populations.
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