Exercise + Brain Stimulation for Vascular Cognitive Impairment
(EXPRESS-V Trial)
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
People with vascular conditions are at risk of having memory problems, and these memory problems increase the risk for further cognitive decline. Brain stimulation has been used to improve mood and memory. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is believed to work best on brain cells that are active or "primed" before stimulation. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of exercise and tDCS on memory performance in patients who have completed cardiac rehabilitation and are at risk of cognitive decline.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you have changed psychotropic medications in the last 4 weeks or are currently using benzodiazepines, you may not be eligible to participate.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Exercise + Brain Stimulation for Vascular Cognitive Impairment?
Research suggests that combining exercise with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may enhance brain function, as exercise increases brain activity, potentially making tDCS more effective. Studies have shown that tDCS can improve cognitive function in conditions like mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease, and enhance physical performance, indicating potential benefits for vascular cognitive impairment.12345
Is the combination of exercise and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) safe for humans?
Research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe for humans when used at conventional levels (up to 4 milliamperes for 40 minutes) and has not resulted in serious adverse effects across thousands of sessions. Exercise is also widely recognized as safe for most people. Combining these two methods has not shown any severe side effects, but more research is needed to fully understand their interactions.36789
How does the treatment of exercise combined with tDCS differ from other treatments for vascular cognitive impairment?
This treatment is unique because it combines physical exercise with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can enhance exercise performance and potentially improve cognitive function by modulating brain activity. Unlike traditional treatments, this approach targets both physical and cognitive aspects, potentially offering a more comprehensive benefit for vascular cognitive impairment.23101112
Research Team
Krista Lanctôt, PhD
Principal Investigator
Sunnybrook Research Institute
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking adults over 50, especially post-menopausal women, with cardiovascular risks or disease and mild memory issues. They must be able to exercise moderately but can't have had a stroke, recent psychotropic medication changes, benzodiazepine use, metal implants affecting brain stimulation safety, or significant neurological/psychiatric conditions.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized to one of four interventions: Exercise primer with tDCS, Treatment as usual with tDCS, Exercise primer with sham tDCS, or Treatment as usual with sham tDCS. Interventions include exercise and/or tDCS.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for cognitive and behavioral changes after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Exercise
- Sham stimulation
- tDCS
- Treatment as usual
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Lead Sponsor