RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Investigating Different Frequencies of Transcranial Electrical Stimulations in Dementia Population

This study aims to discover the most effective type of gentle electrical brain stimulation, combined with brain exercises, for older adults living with dementia. Dementia is a condition with no current cure, affecting both individuals and their families. Researchers will test different types of electrical stimulation applied to the head to see which one works best to improve thinking and memory skills. The study is carefully designed, like a puzzle with some pieces hidden (double-blind), and includes a 'dummy' treatment to compare against. Scientists will also use various technologies, such as brain scans and balance tests, to understand how the brain and body respond to these treatments, hoping to find new ways to help people with dementia.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Manitoba

Enrolment target

100

Start

20 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

31 Aug 2027

Dementia

What is this study about?

Dementia is a challenging condition that affects many people in the UK, impacting not just the individual but also their loved ones. Currently, there isn't a cure, so researchers are constantly looking for new ways to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. This study is exploring a gentle approach using small electrical currents applied to the head, combined with brain training exercises, to see if it can boost memory and thinking abilities in older adults with dementia.

The main goal is to find out which specific type of electrical stimulation works best. Think of it like trying different radio stations to find the clearest signal – the researchers are trying different 'frequencies' of electrical currents. They'll compare these active treatments to a 'sham' treatment, which feels like the real thing but delivers no actual stimulation. This helps them know if any improvements are genuinely from the treatment or just from the expectation of feeling better. They're also using advanced tools like special brain scans (fNIRS and EEG) to look at blood flow and electrical activity in the brain, and even balance tests, to understand how these treatments might be working.

Ultimately, this research hopes to improve our understanding of how gentle electrical stimulation can be used alongside brain exercises to support people living with dementia. By carefully studying different methods and using cutting-edge technology, the researchers aim to identify the most promising approaches that could eventually help more people manage the effects of dementia on their thinking and memory.

Key takeaways

Exploring gentle electrical brain stimulation for dementia.
Combines stimulation with brain exercises to improve thinking.
Uses advanced brain scanning and balance tests.
Compares different stimulation types to find the most effective.
Recruiting people with mild to moderate dementia, aged 50-95.
Participation involves regular sessions and assessments over 1.5 years.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for around 100 people aged between 50 and 95 years old. Participants should have mild memory problems, often called 'mild cognitive impairment' (MCI), or an early to moderate stage of dementia. Your regular doctor will need to confirm your diagnosis.

There are some conditions that would prevent someone from joining the study. For example, if you have certain other brain conditions like Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease, or if you've had seizures in the past, this study wouldn't be suitable. Also, severe problems with vision, hearing, or communicating in English that would make it hard to do the tests mean you wouldn't be able to take part.

To ensure the study accurately measures the effects of the new treatments, you can't be suffering from major depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. It's also important that you're not currently taking part in another dementia research study or have recently changed your medication for dementia or depression.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 50 and 95 years old?
Do you have mild cognitive impairment or early/moderate dementia, confirmed by your doctor?
Have you *not* been diagnosed with Parkinson's, Huntington's, or had epileptic seizures?
Can you communicate well in English and pass cognitive tests without severe vision or hearing problems?
Are you *not* currently taking part in another dementia research study?
Have your dementia or depression medications been stable recently?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, your journey will take about a year and a half. You'll switch between four different types of electrical stimulation treatment, each lasting four weeks, with breaks of 8 to 20 weeks in between. During the treatment weeks, you'll have two 30-minute sessions each day, five days a week, where you'll receive the gentle electrical stimulation while doing brain exercises. You can choose to do these sessions either at home or at the Riverview Health Centre, with help from a tutor.

Before you start each new treatment type, and then again shortly after it finishes, you'll have various assessments at the Riverview Health Centre. There will also be a follow-up assessment about a month after each treatment block to see if the effects last. These assessments include cognitive tests (puzzles and memory tasks), brain scans (fNIRS and EEG), and balance measurements. You will receive all four types of stimulation, including a 'dummy' one, in a mixed-up order, to ensure fairness and accuracy in the results.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit by improving your thinking and memory skills, but we can't promise this since it's a research study. The electrical stimulation is generally considered safe and gentle. As with any study, there's always a small chance of unexpected side effects, but these are usually minor and temporary. However, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Riverview Health Centre
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'transcranial electrical stimulation'?

It's a gentle, non-invasive way to send small electrical currents through your scalp to specific parts of your brain, hoping to improve brain function.

What does 'double-blind' mean?

It means that neither you nor the researchers will know who is receiving the real electrical stimulation and who is receiving the 'dummy' (sham) treatment, to ensure fair results.

What are 'cognitive exercises'?

These are brain training activities, like puzzles or memory games, designed to challenge and stimulate your thinking abilities.

Will this study affect my current medications?

Changes to your dementia or depression medications are not allowed during the study. It's important to discuss all your medications with the study team.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your participation will last about one and a half years, as you'll go through different treatment periods with breaks in between.

How to find out more

Shelly Rempel-Rossum

shelly.rempelrossum@umanitoba.ca 204-789-3389 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.