tDCS for Cognitive Impairment
(AIM Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The current study is a mechanistic study to evaluate working memory gains from application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in older adults with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) compared to cognitively healthy control
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are currently taking GABAergic or glutamatergic medications, or calcium or sodium channel blockers, you will need to stop, as these medications interfere with the study.
Is transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) safe for humans?
How is the treatment tDCS different from other treatments for cognitive impairment?
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is unique because it is a noninvasive method that uses a mild electrical current to stimulate the brain, unlike traditional drug treatments. It is being explored for its potential to improve cognitive function in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment without the use of medication.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment tDCS for cognitive impairment?
Research suggests that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may help improve cognitive functions like memory and processing speed in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. However, the evidence is not yet strong enough to make definitive conclusions, and more large-scale studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.6781011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Aprinda I Queen, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Florida
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for older adults aged 60-95 with mild cognitive impairments (MCI). Participants must be able to attend training sessions, receive electrical stimulation, understand conversational voices, and have the motor skills to use a computer mouse. A Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of 18 or above is required.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either active or sham tDCS stimulation to evaluate working memory gains
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in working memory performance and brain connectivity
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- tDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Florida
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator