Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Treatment of Cognitive and Sensorimotor Deficits in Parkinson's Disease With High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

United States20 participantsStarted 2026-08-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this research study is to examine the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on verbal retrieval and cognition and sensorimotor control and to determine if tDCS can be used as a way to improve retrieval, sensory, and motor abilities in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Who can participate

Age range

50 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: * Diagnosed with PD having a verbal fluency deficit based on neuropsychological test (T-score \< 40 or a T-score \<-1.0 SD below the average T-score): Semantic Object Retrieval Test (SORT), COWAT (both letter and category fluency), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) * 50 - 90 years old * Capable of understanding and signing an informed consent (able to answer consent comprehension questions) * Fluent in speaking and reading English Exclusion Criteria: A potentially study-confounding, tDCS-contraindicated, or EEG-contraindicated psychological, neuropsychiatric, neurological, or other medical issues: * Montreal Cognitve Assessment (MOCA) score \<23, unless an accompanying study partner/caregiver is with them and we can obtain the written consent of both the participant and the participant's accompanying study partner/caregiver (i.e., the participant's spouse, adult child, parent, or adult sibling); * history of seizures; * unexplained episodes of loss of consciousness (as these may be related to brain alterations or epilepsy); * suffering from severe or frequent headaches; * unstable or uncontrolled neuropsychiatric illness; * severe traumatic brain injury (based on the Ohio State TBI Identification; Method); * brain tumor; stroke; present drug abuse/misuse; * brain tumor; * serious or life-threatening diseases, including congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or active malignancy; * Huntington's…

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

Treatment group differences in change from Baseline to 1-week Post-Treatment on Category Fluency

Timeframe: Outcome measures will be assessed as change over a period of 6 weeks: Change from baseline to 1-week Post-Treatment

Treatment group differences in change from Baseline to 2-months Post-Treatment on Category Fluency

Timeframe: Outcome measures will be assessed as change over a period of 13 weeks: Change from baseline to 2-month Post-Treatment

Treatment group differences in change from Baseline to 1-week Post-Treatment on Phonemic Fluency

Timeframe: Outcome measures will be assessed as change over a period of 6 weeks: Change from baseline to 1-week Post-Treatment

Treatment group differences in change from Baseline to 2-months Post-Treatment on Phonemic Fluency

Timeframe: Outcome measures will be assessed as change over a period of 13 weeks: Change from baseline to 2-months Post-Treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07534397

SponsorThe University of Texas at Dallas

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-10-31

Contact for this trial

Michael A Motes, PhD

972-883-4846 michael.motes@utdallas.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More PARKINSON DISEASE (Disorder) trials