tDCS for Alzheimer's Disease

Overseen by Kendra M Anderson, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing a treatment called tDCS, which uses a small electrical current to stimulate the brain. It aims to help patients with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) who have difficult behavioral symptoms. The study will check if this treatment is safe and effective for these patients. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been studied for over two decades and shows potential in enhancing cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Research Team

Kendra M Anderson, PhD

Principal Investigator

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias who show behavioral symptoms. Participants must have a caregiver willing to join the study, stable medication doses for at least one month, and be able to speak and read English. It's not suitable for those with unstable medical conditions, brain surgery history, seizures, metal in their head from past surgeries or substance abuse issues.

Inclusion Criteria

I have Alzheimer's or dementia with significant behavioral symptoms.

My medication doses have been stable for at least a month.

Patients must have a caregiver willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria

I have had brain surgery in the past.

Patients with current alcohol/substance use disorder

Patients with intracranial metal implantation

Treatment Details

Interventions

• active tDCS (Device)

Trial Overview The trial is testing home-based Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on patients with Alzheimer’s-related behavioral symptoms. The goal is to see if tDCS is easy to use at home, safe for these patients, and effective in reducing their behavioral issues.

Participant Groups

Group I: active tDCS Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

All participants will receive active tDCS with a constant current intensity of 2mA. Anodal tDCS will be applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, while cathodal electrode will be positioned on the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Caregivers will help setting up and administering tDCS for participants with AD at home. tDCS will be applied for 30min at an intensity of 2mA, with 30 s ramping up and down.

active tDCS is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

Approved in Canada as tDCS for:

• Depression in pregnancy

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston

Lead Sponsor

Trials

974

Recruited

361,000+

Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

10,100+

Texas Alzheimer's Research & Care Consortium (TARCC)

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

20+