Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Home-Based CR and tDCS to Enhance Cognition in Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Late Life Depression

Researchers are exploring a new home-based approach for older adults who are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. This includes those experiencing mild memory difficulties or depression in later life. The study combines 'cognitive remediation' (brain exercises) with 'transcranial Direct Current Stimulation' (tDCS), a very mild form of brain stimulation, delivered in the comfort of a participant's home. The main goal is to see if these combined treatments can improve thinking and memory skills and potentially prevent long-term memory decline. They are also checking how practical it is for people to do these treatments at home, which could make preventative care much more accessible.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrolment target

Start

31 Oct 2016

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Mild Cognitive Impairment Major Depressive Disorder Alzheimer's Dementia Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation tDCS

What is this study about?

Many older adults worry about their memory and thinking skills as they age. This study is looking for new and easier ways to help people who are at a higher risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This includes individuals who are experiencing mild memory problems or depression later in life, as both can sometimes be early signs of larger issues to come. Currently, once serious conditions like Alzheimer's are diagnosed, treatments often have less impact. This means finding ways to help earlier is really important.

Attending clinics regularly for treatments can be tough for many older individuals due to travel difficulties, costs, or simply living far from a clinic. That's why this study focuses on treatments that can be done at home. The researchers want to understand if they can successfully deliver specific brain exercises (called cognitive remediation) along with a very gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation (called tDCS) directly in people's living rooms. This approach could make preventative care available to many more people.

The study will involve 20 couples. One person in the couple will be the participant (who has either mild memory problems, depression, or both), and the other will be their caregiver, who will help them with the treatments. Both the brain exercises and the gentle brain stimulation have been shown in some studies to help improve how the brain works and thinks. This pilot study aims to check if doing these combined treatments at home over eight weeks is practical and effective.

Key takeaways

Targets older adults with mild memory problems or depression.
Investigates home-based brain exercises and gentle brain stimulation.
Aims to improve thinking skills and help prevent long-term memory decline.
Designed for people with a caregiver who can assist with treatments.
Focuses on making preventative care more accessible.
Study duration for active treatment is 8 weeks.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 60 and over. You might be suitable if you've been diagnosed with mild memory problems (often called Mild Cognitive Impairment, or MCI) or if you've experienced depression in later life.

It's important that you have a caregiver, such as a spouse or family member, who lives with you and can help you with the study activities. You also need to be able to understand and speak English.

There are certain health conditions that would prevent you from joining, such as having a history of serious mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or if you have a pacemaker or other metal implants that might be affected by the brain stimulation. Also, if you've recently had a stroke or have uncontrolled diabetes, you likely wouldn't be able to take part. Some medications might also affect your eligibility, but many common ones are allowed if taken at a stable dose.

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 60 years old or older?
Do you have mild memory problems or have you experienced depression later in life?
Do you have a caregiver who lives with you and can help with the study?
Can you read and communicate in English?
Do you have any metal implants like a pacemaker that might prevent brain stimulation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you and your caregiver will receive the study treatments at home for eight weeks. One treatment involves doing brain exercises (cognitive remediation), and the other is a gentle brain stimulation called tDCS, which is applied using a small device. Your caregiver will be trained to help you with these activities. The study will involve regular check-ins to see how you are doing and to ensure everything is working smoothly. The exact number of visits or assessments isn't detailed, but the focus is on home-based treatment. There won't be any new medications given as part of this study, but your current medications will be reviewed to ensure they don't interfere. The total duration of the active treatment phase is eight weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer several potential benefits. For example, the brain exercises and gentle brain stimulation could help improve your memory and thinking skills, and potentially reduce your risk of long-term memory decline. This research could also help future patients by showing that home-based treatments are workable and effective. As with any medical study, there are potential risks. The brain stimulation is generally considered safe, but some people might experience mild skin irritation at the site of stimulation, headaches, or tingling sensations. The research team will carefully monitor you for any side effects. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is 'mild cognitive impairment'?

It means you have some memory or thinking problems that are more than normal for your age, but they're not severe enough to affect your daily life significantly, unlike dementia.

What is 'tDCS'?

tDCS stands for transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. It's a non-invasive treatment that uses a very gentle electrical current to stimulate specific areas of the brain, aiming to improve brain function.

Do I need a caregiver to join this study?

Yes, you need to have a caregiver (like a spouse or family member) who can help you with the treatments at home, as they will be trained to facilitate the study intervention.

Can I still take my regular medication?

Most regular medications are allowed, especially if you've been on a stable dose. However, some specific medications might exclude you, and this will be checked carefully by the study team.

Will I have to travel for this study?

The main aim of this study is for treatments to be delivered in your own home, reducing the need for travel to clinics.