Home-based tDCS in Frontotemporal Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease

Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · Jul 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing whether at-home brain stimulation with a gentle electrical current (tDCS) to the left side of the brain, combined with computer-based thinking and language training, can improve thinking and language abilities in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Frontotemporal Dementia, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or mild Alzheimer's disease. In a cross-over design, each participant will try both approaches: (1) active tDCS plus cognitive training, and (2) active tDCS alone. The order is chosen randomly, and there is a three-month washout period between the two treatment phases. The researchers will measure changes in language skills, executive function (planning, problem-solving, attention), and overall cognitive ability.

Who may be eligible: adults roughly 50 to 90 years old with a diagnosis of PPA, Frontotemporal Dementia, MCI, or mild Alzheimer’s disease; must be right-handed, fluent in English, and have at least a high school education. Participants will be screened with language testing, brain imaging (MRI), and clinical assessment. Exclusions include significant vision or hearing problems, other major brain disorders, certain pregnancy or MRI safety issues, or devices like pacemakers. Each treatment period includes about 50 sessions over roughly 10 weeks, all conducted at home with remote support. The study is run by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and is currently enrolling by invitation, with a projected overall completion in late 2025.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Must be clinically diagnosed with PPA, fronto-temporal dementia (FTD), MCI or mild Alzheimer's disease (AD). Diagnosis will be based on neuropsychological testing, language testing (most commonly the Western Aphasia Battery), MRI, and clinical assessment.
• • Must be right-handed.
• • Must be proficient in English.
• • Must have a minimum high-school education.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Uncorrected visual or hearing impairment by self-report.
• • Stroke/other premorbid neurological disorder affecting the brain.
• • Any other developmental language-based learning disorder other than PPA.
• • Inability to follow directions for baseline tasks.
• • Pre-existing psychiatric disorders such as behavioral disturbances, severe depression, and schizophrenia that do not allow them to comply or follow the study schedule and requirements such as repeated evaluation and therapy will be excluded.
• Exclusion Criteria for MRI participation:
• • Severe claustrophobia.
• • Cardiac pacemakers or ferromagnetic implants.
• • Pregnant women.