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Non-invasive Brain Stimulation

Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease (MemStim-lab Trial)

N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Dr.
Research Sponsored by Hebrew SeniorLife
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Healthy young participants: age 21-35 without any cognitive impairment (based on MoCA or TICS) and willing and capable to give informed consent for the participation in the study after it has been thoroughly explained
Be older than 18 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 3 lab-visits will occur at least 2 days apart within one month
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial uses gentle electrical currents to stimulate the brain in young and older adults, including those with mild memory issues, to see if it can improve memory by making the brain more active. Electrical stimulation has been employed to boost memory training effects.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for young adults (21-35) with no cognitive issues, older adults (55+) without cognitive impairment, and older individuals (55+) diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's or Mild Cognitive Impairment. Participants must be able to consent and perform tasks required by the study. Those with severe cognitive deficits, psychiatric conditions, blindness, or who can't undergo brain stimulation are excluded.
What is being tested?
The trial is testing transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to see if it improves memory function in people with mild Alzheimer's Disease.
What are the potential side effects?
While not explicitly stated here, tACS may cause side effects like headache, scalp tingling or itching during application, fatigue after treatment sessions and in rare cases seizures.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am between 21-35 years old, mentally fit, and can consent to the study.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~3 lab-visits will occur at least 2 days apart within one month
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 3 lab-visits will occur at least 2 days apart within one month for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Behavioral performance measured with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
Spatiotemporal dynamic changes measured with electroencephalography (EEG)

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

3Treatment groups
Active Control
Group I: Healthy older participantsActive Control1 Intervention
A group of 20 cognitively intact older participants (age 55+)
Group II: Healthy young participantsActive Control1 Intervention
a group of 20 cognitively intact younger participants (age 21-35)
Group III: Older MCI/mild AD participantsActive Control1 Intervention
A group of 20 cognitively impaired older participants (age 55+)

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.
Mechanism Of Action
Side Effect Profile
Prior Approvals
Other Research
The most common treatments for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) include cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) and NMDA receptor antagonists (e.g., memantine). Cholinesterase inhibitors work by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for learning and memory, thereby enhancing cholinergic function. Memantine regulates glutamate activity to prevent excitotoxicity, which can damage neurons. Non-invasive brain stimulation, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), modulates neuronal activity by using magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. This can enhance synaptic plasticity and improve cognitive functions. These mechanisms are crucial for AD patients as they aim to slow cognitive decline, improve memory, and enhance overall brain function.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Hebrew SeniorLifeLead Sponsor
46 Previous Clinical Trials
270,715 Total Patients Enrolled
Alvaro Pascual-Leone, Dr.3.97 ReviewsPrincipal Investigator - Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research
Hebrew SeniorLife
2 Previous Clinical Trials
25 Total Patients Enrolled
~6 spots leftby Oct 2025