dTMS for Subjective Cognitive Decline

Launched by ROTMAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE AT BAYCREST · Oct 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a treatment called deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) combined with cognitive training to help older adults who are experiencing early signs of memory decline, known as subjective cognitive decline (SCD). The goal is to see if this treatment can improve memory, thinking skills, and mood, while also looking at how it affects brain activity.

To participate, you need to be between 55 and 70 years old and have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, along with some concerns about your memory. You should also score 26 or higher on a memory test called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Participants will receive the treatment while following a schedule, and they will be monitored throughout the study. It's important to note that there are certain health conditions and factors that may prevent someone from joining, such as having a metal implant in the head, a history of seizures, or certain mental health issues. If you or a loved one might be interested, it could be a chance to contribute to important research while receiving support for memory concerns.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • have a family history of late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) as defined by having a first degree relative, living or deceased, with a probable or confirmed diagnosis of AD
• • have subjective memory decline and concern about memory changes
• • score 26 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• • are willing to provide informed consent
• • are able to follow the treatment schedule
• • are stable on medications for 2 months and are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications)
• • have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS
• • have an informant/study partner who is able to complete study questionnaires regarding the participant
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • have a metal plate in their head, except in the mouth (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips)
• • have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures
• • have a cardiac pacemaker
• • have an implanted medication pump
• • have a central venous line
• • have a significant heart condition
• • have current depression or a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia other than AD
• • have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months
• • have a history of stroke or other brain lesions
• • have a personal history of epilepsy
• • have a family history of epilepsy
• • are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman
• • have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain
• • have significant hearing loss requiring use of hearing aids
• • have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism
• • have TMS contraindications
• • have unstable medical condition(s)
• • regularly use benzodiazepines or other hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization