CIFASD 5 tDCS and Cognitive Training

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · Jul 8, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The CIFASD 5 tDCS and Cognitive Training trial is researching a new approach to help children and teenagers, aged 8 to 17 years, who have been affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. This study is testing whether a combination of cognitive training (activities designed to improve thinking skills) and a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can support better brain function and cognitive performance in these young individuals. The trial is currently recruiting participants who have a documented history of heavy alcohol exposure before birth and meet certain criteria for related conditions known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

To be eligible for this study, participants must have a parent or guardian who can provide consent and must not have other serious issues like substance abuse, major neurological problems, or certain psychiatric disorders that could impact the brain. Participants in the trial can expect to take part in training sessions and receive tDCS, which involves a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp to stimulate brain activity. This study aims to find out if these methods can make a positive difference in the lives of children with FASD, helping them improve their cognitive skills and overall well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Documented heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (self-report, social service records, or adoption records) and meeting criteria for an associated FASD diagnosis (FAS, partial FAS, or ARND).
• • An available parent or legal guardian capable of giving informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Substance abuse in the participant
• • Neurological condition or other developmental disorder
• • Serious psychiatric disorder known to affect brain functioning and cognitive performance Birthweight \< 1500 grams
• • MRI contraindication
• • tDCS contraindication