Warmth and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) in Improving Cognitive Functions in People with Dementia

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jul 30, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating the effects of a special hat that combines warmth and a treatment called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) to see if it can help improve thinking abilities and behavior in people with dementia. Researchers believe that using both warmth and TENS together might work better than using them separately or not at all. The trial is currently looking for participants who have been diagnosed with types of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, and who are in the mild to moderate stages of the condition.

To be eligible for the trial, participants need to be living in the community with at least one caregiver and should be able to follow simple instructions. They should also have stable medication for the past three months and be able to provide consent, either themselves or through a family member. Participants in the trial will receive the treatment and may experience improvements in their cognitive functions and behaviors. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions or those living in care facilities are not eligible to participate. This study could provide valuable insights into new ways to support people with dementia and their caregivers.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. are currently diagnosed having Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or mixed-type mild to major neurocognitive disorder based on the Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM -5) by psychogeriatrician with more than 3 years of experience in dementia diagnosis;
• • 2. are categorized in the mild or moderate degree of dementia based on the Global Deterioration Scale;
• • 3. have a stable drug intake for the past 3 months;
• • 4. live with at least 1 caregiver in the community;
• • 5. are able to follow simple instructions;
• • 6. are able to give informed consent by them or their family members.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. have unstable medical conditions or severe behavioural disturbances, which do not allow participation in the study as judged by the study psychogeriatrician,
• • 2. have any additional medical, cardiovascular , orthopedic or cognitive conditions, such as having uncontrolled hypertension unstable angina and comorbid schizophrenia, that would hinder proper assessment and treatment.
• • 3. use a cardiac pacemaker,
• • 4. live in old age home, elderly home or care and attention homes,
• • 5. receive long term nursing home placements of patients during the treatment phase