RecruitingNot Applicable

Stimulating the Aging Brain Using Brain and Sensory Stimulation

United States20 participantsStarted 2026-06-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this project is to investigate whether transcranial electrical stimulation and sensory stimulation affect language outcomes in individuals with primary progressive aphasia (PPA). The main questions it aims to answer are: Does transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) affect verbal short-term memory (STM) in individuals with PPA? Does a single session of multisensory stimulation affect verbal STM in individuals with PPA? Researchers will compare active tACS to sham tACS (a fake stimulation condition) to see if active tACS improves verbal STM. Researchers will compare pre-multisensory stimulation to post-stimulation performance to see if multisensory stimulation improves verbal STM. Participants will: Undergo EEG, MRI (anatomical and functional) May complete a cognitive exam Undergo tACS over 3 separate sessions Undergo multisensory stimulation Complete language tasks before, during and/or after stimulation

Who can participate

Age range

45 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: * Clinical exam supports diagnosis of PPA and/or MCI with no report of difficulty functioning in basic or instrumental activities of daily living. * Completed clinical cognitive exam within 6 months of study baseline visit OR neuropsychological research battery within 6 months of study baseline visit. Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of dementia at baseline * Known history of neoplasm, symptomatic stroke, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, or other significant neurologic event * Age \<45 years. * Evidence of severe psychiatric illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia). * Presence of cardiac stimulators or pacemakers * Any other implants near the scalp or in the eye * Contraindications to MRI or stimulation * Pregnancy * History of ongoing or unmanaged seizures * History of dyslexia or other developmental learning disabilities

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

Changes in STM capacity assessed using a verbal STM task

Timeframe: Changes monitored over pre, during and immediately after 20 minutes of tACS

Changes in STM capacity with multisensory stimulation using a verbal STM task

Timeframe: Changes monitored pre and immediately after 20 minutes of stimulation

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07650188

SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2031-05-30

Contact for this trial

Sidney Schoenrock, MA

414-955-7579 sschoenrock@mcw.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Primary Progressive Aphasia trials