Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Dementia
(TDCS4MCR Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The objective of this study is to determine the effects of a 6-month, home-based personalized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on cognitive function, dual task standing and walking, and other metrics of mobility in older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, your medications and medical history will be reviewed by a physician to decide on your inclusion in the study.
Is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) safe for humans?
How is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) different from other treatments for dementia?
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is unique because it is a noninvasive method that uses electrical currents to stimulate the brain, unlike traditional drug treatments. It is being explored for its potential to improve cognitive function and delay cognitive decline in dementia patients, offering a non-drug alternative for managing symptoms.24678
What data supports the effectiveness of this treatment for dementia?
Research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can help improve cognitive functions like memory and picture-naming abilities in people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. This suggests that tDCS might be a promising non-drug treatment to slow down or improve symptoms of dementia.247910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Brad Manor, PhD
Principal Investigator
Hebrew SeniorLife
Jeff Hausdorff, PhD
Principal Investigator
Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR), which often includes issues with memory and movement. Participants should be experiencing early signs of cognitive decline and mobility disability but specifics on inclusion criteria are not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Open-label Phase
Participants receive an open-label 2-week, 10-session tDCS intervention
Treatment
Participants receive 5 weekly home-based tDCS sessions for 6 months or a combination of tDCS and sham sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Personalized Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Hebrew SeniorLife
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator
Tel Aviv Medical Center
Collaborator