tDCS + Cognitive Training for Alzheimer's Disease
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment tDCS for Alzheimer's Disease?
Is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) safe for humans?
How is the treatment tDCS + Cognitive Training different from other treatments for Alzheimer's disease?
tDCS (Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) is a unique treatment for Alzheimer's disease because it is a non-invasive method that uses electrical currents to stimulate the brain, potentially improving cognitive function without the use of drugs. This approach is combined with cognitive training to enhance its effects, making it different from traditional drug-based therapies.12357
What is the purpose of this trial?
There is currently little symptomatic therapy for Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and nothing effective for individuals with Frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, neuromodulation with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has the potential to be a clinically effective therapy for both AD and FTD. The challenge now is to specify the parameters and conditions under which tDCS is most effective to transition from the laboratory to clinical medicine. tDCS studies typically report significant group effects despite the variability demonstrated among participants, with some showing clear, meaningful improvement, while others only show statistical improvement or none at all. These variable results may be related to the conventional stimulation intensity level of 2mA. The investigators predict that administering tDCS at 4.0 mA, a more significant number of participants would show a meaningful response, and those who improve at 2mA may improve even more from 4.0mA due to having a larger electric field produced. The investigators aim to test this hypothesis in people with Alzheimer's Disease.
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's Disease who score between 18 and 25 on the MoCA cognitive test and can perform a memory task. It excludes those with stroke or brain injury history, metal implants/shunts in their body, or significant heart disease, alcoholism, or drug use.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at either 2mA or 4mA, or a sham treatment
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- tDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Baycrest
Lead Sponsor
BrightFocus Foundation
Collaborator