Home-Based Brain Stimulation for Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome
United States, Israel128 participantsStarted 2025-09-02
Plain-language summary
The objective of this study is to determine the effects of a 6-month, home-based personalized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on cognitive function, dual task standing and walking, and other metrics of mobility in older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR).
Who can participate
Age range
65 Years – 90 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:
* Men and women
* Age 65-90 years
* Subjective cognitive complaints as defined by a 'Yes' response to "Do you feel that you have more problems with memory than most?" or a 'No' response to "is your mind as clear as it used to be?"
* Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥21
* Slow gait speed as measured by averaging two 4-Meter walks and defined as a usual walking speed one standard deviation below age and sex-adjusted means.
* Absence of significant disability as defined by the ability to walk over the instrumented gait mat unassisted (e.g., able to walk without any walking aids for at least 2 minutes non-stop) and preserved activities of daily living as defined by a score of less than 9 on the Functional Activities Questionnaire.
* Identification of an eligible informant
* Identification of a willing and able tDCS-administrator; i.e., a study partner to lead the administration of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
* Access to reliable WiFi in the participant's home
Exclusion Criteria:
* Formal education less than the 8th grade
* Previous physician diagnosis of dementia
* Any current diagnosis of a major psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder)
* Evidence of moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms defined by a score of ≥9 on the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale
* History of head trauma resulting in prolonged loss of consciousness
* History of fainting spells of unknown or undet…
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
1
Dual task cost to gait speed
Timeframe: Pre-randomization baseline; within three days of completing the initial open-label tDCS intervention; Month 3, Month 6; Month 9.