Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease
(STIM Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
This study will test the effects of different doses of a form of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you have been stable on your current medications for at least 4 weeks before joining, so you should not stop taking them.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment HD-tDCS for Alzheimer's Disease?
Is brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease safe for humans?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), including its high-definition version (HD-tDCS), is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in humans, with no serious adverse effects reported in over 33,200 sessions. However, some studies suggest it could potentially cause harm, so caution is advised.36789
How is HD-tDCS treatment different from other Alzheimer's treatments?
HD-tDCS (High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation) is unique because it is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that specifically targets brain areas with more precision than traditional methods, potentially improving memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients without the side effects associated with drugs.1241011
Research Team
Benjamin Hampstead, PhD
Principal Investigator
Associate Professor
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with mild cognitive impairment or dementia of the Alzheimer's type who can have an MRI and don't have metal/electronic implants in their upper body/head. They must be stable on current medications for at least 4 weeks.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive HD-tDCS treatment with varying doses (sham, 1 mA, 2 mA, 3 mA) for 30 minutes per session, for between 5-30 sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in cognitive functioning and brain connectivity post-treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- HD-tDCS
- Sham
HD-tDCS is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Cognitive enhancement
- Major depressive disorder
- Chronic pain management
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator