NCT03875326

Stimulation to Improve Memory

Testing High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) as Treatment of Mild Cognitive Impairment

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 269 (actual)
• Sponsor: University of Michigan · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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).

Detailed description

This research study is being done to learn important information about the effects of weak electrical stimulation on brain functioning in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). The findings will help determine "how much" stimulation is needed to enhance memory and thinking abilities, how it affects brain functioning, and who is most likely to benefit. Ultimately, this information may guide treatment efforts for those at various stages of Alzheimer's disease. The study will use brain imaging to see whether these treatments change how participants learn and remember information. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans will be used. The study will also use cognitive tests and questionnaires to examine whether participants' memory (and related abilities) change because of treatment. The study will enroll participants with a diagnosis of MCI or DAT. It is expected but not required that participants will be co-enrolled in the University of Michigan Memory and Aging Project (UM-MAP; HUM00000382).

Conditions

• Mild Cognitive Impairment
• Dementia of Alzheimer Type

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	1 mA HD-tDCS	Participants will receive HD-tDCS at 1 mA for 30 minutes, for between 5-30 sessions.
DEVICE	2 mA HD-tDCS	Participants will receive HD-tDCS at 2 mA for 30 minutes, for between 5-30 sessions.
DEVICE	3 mA HD-tDCS	Participants will receive HD-tDCS at 3 mA for 30 minutes, for between 5-30 sessions.
DEVICE	Sham	Participants will receive sham (placebo) HD-tDCS for 30 minutes, for between 5-30 sessions.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-04-01
• Primary completion: 2024-12-06
• Completion: 2024-12-19
• First posted: 2019-03-14
• Last updated: 2025-10-20

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated device study