Individual Closed-Loop Neuromodulation Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Jun 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new treatment approach for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that may be related to Alzheimer’s disease. The study will use a method called closed-loop transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), which is a non-invasive technique that gently stimulates the brain. Researchers want to see if this stimulation can help improve brain activity and cognitive performance in participants. To take part, individuals should be aged between 50 and 80, speak English, and have symptoms consistent with MCI due to Alzheimer’s.

Participants will undergo brain scans called EEGs, answer questionnaires, and complete some computer tasks during their visits. However, people with certain medical conditions, like severe heart disease or brain tumors, will not be eligible. The trial is not yet recruiting, but it aims to learn more about how this new therapy might help those experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and how it relates to their overall brain health.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Overall cognitive functional status consistent with amnesic MCI (CDR 0.5) likely due to AD (AD biomarker supported)
• • 50-80 years of age
• • English native speakers
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g., tumor, cortical infarct)
• • Acute or decompensated active medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, congestive heart failure
• • Active hematological, renal, pulmonary, endocrine or hepatic disorders
• • Longstanding premorbid history (i.e., longer than 10 years) of alcohol or substance abuse with continuous abuse up to and including the time that the symptoms leading to clinical presentation developed
• • tACS contraindications (lesions in the scalp, history of seizures)