TDCS as Augmentation Therapy to Cognitive Training in Mild Dementia

Launched by HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, HONG KONG · Aug 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can enhance the effects of cognitive training for people with mild dementia, also known as Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MND). Cognitive training helps improve memory and thinking skills, but its effects can be small and not last long. The researchers believe that using tDCS at the same time as cognitive training might help make the improvements more noticeable and longer-lasting.

To participate, individuals must be 65 years or older, speak Cantonese, and have a diagnosis of mild MND. They cannot have certain mental health conditions or recent changes in medication. If eligible, participants will be randomly assigned to either receive active tDCS or a placebo treatment (sham tDCS) while undergoing cognitive training for two weeks. Each session will last 20 minutes, and researchers will assess changes in thinking skills before, right after, and four weeks after the treatment. This trial is important as it seeks to find new ways to help improve the quality of life for those living with dementia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 65 years of age or above
• • Right-handedness Chinese as defined by Edinburgh handedness inventory
• • Cantonese speaking
• • Fulfil the criteria of Major neurocognitive disorder, as defined by the 5 th Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM- 5)
• • Clinical Dementia Rating Global score = 1
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active diagnosis of mood disorder or psychosis
• • Alcohol or substance dependence
• • Initiation or change in dose of cognitive enhancer within 6 months prior to the onset of the study 14
• • Poor physical condition and mobility
• • Having regular cognitive training (as defined by at least three 1-hour weekly structured and standardized cognitive training in recent 3 months) 15
• • Receiving tDCS within 2 months prior to the onset of study 16
• • Significant communication or visual impairment
• • Having metal implant in area above upper back, or having metal crown or metal brace, or pacemaker