Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment

45 participantsStarted 2027-11

Plain-language summary

Background: Alzheimer's disease is a major health problem in our society. To date, pharmacological treatments to reduce Alzheimer's disease symptoms have obtained poor results and there is a growing interest in finding non-pharmacological treatments for this impactful disease. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is a non-invasive tool which can induce changes in brain activity and long term modifications of impaired neural networks, and therefore holds promise as a clinical intervention. Our overall goal is to study the benefit of targeting Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation based on the individual's unique functional connectivity (personalized targeting) instead of current non-individualized approaches. Specifically, the intermittent Theta Burst protocol will be used and changes in cognitive, functional, and emotional deficits in these patients will be evaluated. Functional brain connectivity changes induced by the TMS treatment will be also assessed. Methods: A double blind randomized controlled trial will be conducted to assess the effects of TMS treatment immediately, one month, three months and six months after the end of the treatment in comparison to the baseline measurements. Forty-five patients with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, will be randomly allocated (1:1:1) into experimental (active Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), sham control group, or conventional intervention control group. Neuropsychological, functional, and emotional assessment will be conducted, as well as functional connectivity measures, in order to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Discussion: The investigators expect to demonstrate that personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation intervention has measurable positive impact in cognitive and emotional functioning, functionality, and brain connectivity, thus representing a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years – 75 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease according to the diagnostic criteria of the National Institute on Ageing and the Alzheimer's Association * Ages between 60 and 75 years * Mini Mental State Examination score between 20 and 26 * Global Deterioration Scale score of 3 or 4 * Functional independence for basic daily life activities (part C of the Blessed Scale equal or 0) * Rosen Ischemia Scale less or equal to 4 * Able to read and write * Stable medical and pharmacological state during the 3 consecutive months immediately before the start of the study * Computed Tomography Scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the last 12 months previous to the selection, compatible with the diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease in the subjects diagnosed * Absence of clinically significant anomalies in the medical history or clinical laboratory results during the selection * Screening analyses within normal range with the objective of detecting and excluding other causes of dementia in the last 12 months previous to selection. Laboratory values required in order to be considered within the normal range are as follows: complete blood count, thyroid hormones, T4, folic acid, vitamin B12, albumin, transaminase alanine, amino-transferase aspartate, gamma-glutamic transferase, sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine, glucose while fasting * Being treated by Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors * Signed consent form, previously approved by the Research Ethics Committee Exclusion Crit…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Cognitive improvement

Timeframe: Baseline and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the end of the treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03121066

SponsorUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-11

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