Improve thinking with brain stimulation
- Trial ID
- NCT05919485
- Official Title
- The Effects of Specific Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS on Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Novel Study Protocol
- Goal
- Improve thinking with brain stimulation
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 120 participants
- Conditions
- Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson Disease
- Interventions
- tDCS
Summary For Families
The goal is to see whether gentle, noninvasive electrical stimulation of the scalp can improve memory and other thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment related to Parkinson's or early Alzheimer's. The approach uses transcranial direct current stimulation, a very low, painless current applied to targeted brain regions to boost neuronal activity involved in memory and attention, and it is given alongside participants' regular medications rather than replacing levodopa or other drugs. They are enrolling 120 literate adults aged 45 to 80, balanced by sex, who have Parkinson's with mild cognitive impairment or amnestic MCI, are on stable medications for at least one month, and who do not have dementia, major medical or other neurologic/psychiatric conditions, or any contraindication to tDCS or fMRI.
Locations
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat Üniversitesi, Antalya, Alanya, Turkey (Türkiye)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying tDCS. The goal is to see whether gentle, noninvasive electrical stimulation of the scalp can improve memory and other thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment related to Parkinson's or early Alzheimer's. The approach uses transcranial direct current stimulation, a very low, painless current applied to targeted brain regions to boost neuronal activity involved in memory and attention, and it is given alongside participants' regular medications rather than replacing levodopa or other drugs. They are enrolling 120 literate adults aged 45 to 80, balanced by sex, who have Parkinson's with mild cognitive impairment or amnestic MCI, are on stable medications for at least one month, and who do not have dementia, major medical or other neurologic/psychiatric conditions, or any contraindication to tDCS or fMRI.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be between 45 Years and 80 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 5 months.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.