CompletedNot Applicable

Stimulation to Improve Memory

United States233 participantsStarted 2019-04-01

Plain-language summary

This study will test the effects of different doses of a form of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT).

Who can participate

Age range

50 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 Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT)
. Must be MRI compatible, criteria that also apply for High Definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS; e.g., absence of metallic or electronic implants in the upper body or head)
. Stable on relevant medications for at least 4 weeks prior to study enrollment

Exclusion criteria

. Certain neurological diseases
. Certain psychiatric conditions
. Severe sensory impairment

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.

1This trial used brain stimulation to try to improve memory in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's — are there any results from it that would be relevant to my situation, and do they suggest this kind of approach is worth pursuing?
2The trial measured something called 'lateral temporal cortex connectivity' as its main outcome — can you explain what that means in plain terms, and whether changes in that measure actually translate to real-world memory improvements for patients?
3Since this was a completed trial with no assigned phase, does that mean it was more of a preliminary or exploratory study, and how does that affect how much we can trust what it found about safety and effectiveness?
4Are there follow-up studies or active clinical trials building on this research that might be an option worth discussing, now that this one has already finished enrolling?
5How does this brain stimulation approach compare to standard treatments or other interventions currently available for mild cognitive impairment, and would those be worth trying first before considering experimental options?

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 Lateral Temporal Cortex Connectivity

Timeframe: Change from Baseline to Post-Intervention (after tDCS Session 5 - day 5 of treatment) and from Baseline to Post-Expansion (after the participant's final tDCS session beyond Session 5, up to 43 weeks).

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03875326

SponsorUniversity of Michigan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-12-06

Results submitted2025-12-05

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mild Cognitive Impairment trials