Exercise + tDCS for Alzheimer's Disease
(EXACT Trial)
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop all current medications, but you cannot join if you've changed cognitive enhancing medications in the last 3 months or anticonvulsants/psychotropic medications in the last month. You also cannot be taking benzodiazepines.
What data supports the idea that Exercise + tDCS for Alzheimer's Disease is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that combining exercise with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) could be effective for Alzheimer's Disease. Exercise is known to make the brain more active, which might help tDCS work better. Some studies have shown that tDCS can improve thinking skills in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease. While the research is still developing, there is growing evidence that this combination could help slow down memory loss and improve brain function in Alzheimer's patients.12345
What safety data exists for exercise and tDCS in Alzheimer's treatment?
The provided research primarily focuses on the effects of physical exercise on Alzheimer's disease, highlighting its potential benefits such as improved cognitive function, reduced neuropsychiatric symptoms, and slower decline in daily activities. Exercise is generally considered safe with fewer side effects compared to medications. However, there is no specific mention of safety data for the combination of exercise and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in these studies. Further research would be needed to evaluate the safety of this combined treatment approach.678910
Is Exercise and tDCS a promising treatment for Alzheimer's Disease?
What is the purpose of this trial?
Mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease are conditions that involve memory difficulties. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a type of brain stimulation. It may help improve these memory difficulties. However, it works better on active brain areas. This study looks at if combining exercise and applying current to important parts of the brain can help improve memory in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals over 50 with mild Alzheimer's or cognitive impairment who can communicate in English and have an MMSE score of at least 19. It's not suitable for those recently changing medication, using benzodiazepines, having metal implants like pacemakers, other significant neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, substance use disorder, or medical reasons preventing exercise.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a combined exercise and tDCS intervention or control interventions over a 2-week period
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Exercise
- tDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Lead Sponsor