Pathways Relating Amnestic MCI to a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury History

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Jul 5, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating how a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as a concussion, may affect people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), which is a type of memory problem. The researchers want to understand the biological changes that occur in the brain due to these conditions. They will use a method called high definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) and tests on blood samples to gather information. The study is open to individuals aged 55 and older, both men and women, who either have a diagnosis of aMCI and a history of mTBI or those who do not have a history of mTBI for comparison.

If you or a loved one is considering participating, you’ll need to meet certain criteria, such as being fluent in English and not having had a significant brain injury in the past year. Participants can expect to undergo some testing and receive stimulation therapy as part of the study. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions or current substance use will not be eligible to join the trial. This research aims to gain valuable insights into how past brain injuries may influence memory issues, which could help improve future treatments for people with aMCI.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Active diagnosis of amnestic mild cognitive impairment
• • 2. Presence of an mTBI history for the mTBI+ group; absence of an mTBI history for a control sample
• • 3. Female and male subjects
• • 4. All races/ethnicities
• • 5. Age 55 years and older
• • 6. Fluent in English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Mild traumatic brain injury within past year
• • 2. Lifetime history of moderate or severe brain injury
• • 3. Lifetime major neurologic syndromes (e.g., stroke, epilepsy, brain tumor)
• • 4. Lifetime major cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart attack, heart failure)
• • 5. Current substance use disorder
• • 6. Current major psychiatric disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder)
• • 7. Current vision or hearing impairment that interferes with testing
• • 8. Any electronic and or metallic implants in the skull or brain
• • 9. Current medication use known to alter HD-tDCS reactivity