---
title: Targeted brain stimulation reduces depression
nct_id: NCT06467695
phase: NA
status: RECRUITING
sponsor: University of South Alabama
study_type: INTERVENTIONAL
canonical_url: "https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06467695"
clinicaltrials_gov: "https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06467695"
last_fetched: "2026-05-10T14:04:32.316Z"
source: "Parkinson's Pathways (curated)"
---
# Targeted brain stimulation reduces depression

**Goal (in five words):** Targeted brain stimulation reduces depression

**Official Title:** The Effect of MRI-Guided Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Cognitive and Affective Symptoms in Persons With Parkinson's Disease and Controls

**Trial ID:** [NCT06467695](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06467695)

## Key Facts

- **Phase:** NA
- **Status:** RECRUITING
- **Study Type:** INTERVENTIONAL
- **Sponsor:** University of South Alabama
- **Target Enrollment:** 40 participants
- **Start Date:** 2024-08-01
- **Completion Date:** 2027-05-01
- **Conditions:** Parkinson Disease, Depressive Symptoms
- **Interventions:** BIOPAC Stimsola, BIOPAC Stimsola Sham (zero amps)
- **Intervention Types:** DEVICE

## Summary For Families

The goal is to find out whether MRI-guided transcranial direct current stimulation can reduce cognitive problems and depressive symptoms in people with Parkinson's, with healthy controls included for comparison. Using the BIOPAC Stimsola, a noninvasive device delivers a very weak, targeted electrical current through the scalp guided by each person’s MRI to gently boost or quiet activity in brain regions involved in mood and thinking, while EEG records brain responses; a sham setting uses zero amps so researchers can separate real effects from placebo. The trial is recruiting adults 19 to 65, with the Parkinson's group needing a physician diagnosis and elevated depression on the Beck Depression Inventory, score 20 or higher, and all participants must be able to travel for EEG and tDCS sessions. People with epilepsy, significant traumatic brain injury, or atypical Parkinson's are excluded, and those with deep brain stimulation may join only if their physician agrees to monitor them.

## Eligibility

- **Minimum age:** 19 Years
- **Maximum age:** 65 Years
- **Sex:** ALL

### Full Criteria

```
Inclusion Criteria:

* 19 to 65 years in age.
* Parkinson's Group must have a physician dx of Parkinson's Disease
* Must meet exhibit elevated levels of depression on the Beck Depression Inventory (scores of 20 or above).
* Must be willing and able to travel of the Psychology Department for EEG and tDCS sessions.
* Participants who have undergone surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation implantation may be enrolled if advised to and monitored by their physician.
* Read and understand spoken English.

Exclusion Criteria:

* No history of or being treated for epilepsy or other seizure disorders.
* No history of penetrating head wounds or TBI greater than mild TBI.
* No history of atypical Parkinson's
```

## Locations (1)

- University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama, United States _(30.6944, -88.0430)_

## Central Contacts

- John F Shelley-Tremblay, PhD — (CONTACT) — 2514606883 — jstremblay@southalabama.edu
- Benjamin D Hill, PhD — (CONTACT) — 251-460-6546 — bdhill@southalabama.edu

---

*Canonical: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06467695*  
*HTML version: https://parkinsonspathways.com/trial/NCT06467695*  
*Source data: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06467695*