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AgingFRtDCSNCT05216315

tDCS and Cognitive Efficiency in Ageing

A study testing Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in people with Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment, run by University of Valencia at 1 site in Spain.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

Normal aging is associated with a progressive decline in cognitive functions, especially memory. This decline in cognitive function can negatively impact the quality of life of older adults. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
38 participants
Where
1 siteSpain
Study dates
30 Jul 2020to 30 May 2023
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • For the group of healthy older adults:
  • MEC score greater than 26 points.
  • GDS between 1 and 3.
  • For the MCI group:
  • MEC score between 21 and 26 points.
  • GDS between 1 and 3.
Show all 9Show fewer
  • For the mild EA group:
  • MEC score between 18 and 23 points.
  • GDS between 3 and 4.

Who cannot join

  • Presentation of contraindications to tDCS (presence of intracranial metal implants, intracranial hypertension, comitial risk).
  • Significant asymptomatic neurovascular disease
  • History of previous symptomatic stroke
  • Alcohol or drug abuse/dependence
  • Severe psychiatric symptoms
  • Depressive symptoms higher than mild

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Spain1 site
  • Faculty of Psychology

    Valencia, 46010

Other trials in Spain

About this study

Official title: Non-invasive Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Improve Cognitive Efficiency

Normal aging is associated with a progressive decline in cognitive functions, especially memory. This decline in cognitive function can negatively impact the quality of life of older adults. Although there are currently few possibilities to prevent and/or slow the signs of cognitive decline, both those associated with age and neurodegenerative pathologies, one of the non-invasive brain stimulation techniques that has gained attention in recent years is Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS). tDCS is a technique based on the application of a low-intensity (< 2 mA) direct electrical current between two large-area electrodes placed on various surface areas of the head. Moreover, according to safety-related meta-analyses it is a very safe technique, without any major side effects, provided that internationally established safety protocols are taken into account in its application. This technique has recently been investigated as a potential treatment for both healthy elderly people and people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in several cognitive variables, having shown encouraging results in working memory learning curves, modulation of plasticity and recognition tasks. This project aims to implement an intervention using transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy older adults, MCI and AD. The main objective is to test if there is an improvement in cognitive efficiency and if the changes are maintained over time (1 month). For this purpose, the effect of the technique will be studied on participants assigned to treatment and control groups, analyzing the possible modifications in the following cognitive variables: cognitive plasticity and learning potential, recognition and familiarity and false alarms.

Read the detailed description

The clinical trial protocol involves the recruitment of participants from three different groups: healthy older adults, individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Participants will be randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group.

For the treatment group, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) will be administered over a specified period using a standard protocol involving the application of low-intensity electrical current (< 2 mA) through electrodes placed on specific scalp areas. The duration and frequency of stimulation will be predetermined based on scientific literature and established safety recommendations.

The control group will receive a sham procedure where a low-intensity current, having no effect on neuronal activity, will be applied to maintain treatment masking.

Prior to commencing the intervention, a baseline assessment of participants' cognitive functions will be conducted using a battery of standardized tests, including measures of cognitive plasticity, memory, attention, executive functions, and other relevant cognitive abilities.

During the intervention period, regular tDCS or placebo sessions will be conducted according to participants' assigned groups. Additionally, data on potential side effects and tolerability of the technique will be collected.

At the end of the intervention period, a post-treatment assessment will be conducted to determine any changes in participants' cognitive functions. These data will be compared to baseline assessments to ascertain the intervention's efficacy.

Furthermore, participants will be followed up for a period of at least one month after the intervention to evaluate the persistence of effects and any potential long-term effects.

It is important to emphasize that this protocol will adhere to all ethical and safety regulations established by relevant regulatory authorities and ethics committees. Participants will be fully informed about the procedures and risks involved, and their informed consent will be obtained before their participation in the study.

Being tested
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), Sham stimulation
Medical subject headings
Cognitive Dysfunction, Alzheimer Disease

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)Device

    Also called Transcranial direct current stimulation

    10 sessions of tDCS stimulation on dorsolateral prefrontal cortex with the apparatus HDC stimulator (Newronika TM)

  • Sham stimulationDevice

    Also called Transcranial direct current stimulation

    The sham group received direct current only on the ramps to generate a sensation of the effect.10 sessions

Study groups in NCT05216315
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
tDCS. Transcranial direct current stimulationExperimentalThe stimulation time was 20 minutes, with an initial and final ramp of 30 seconds so that the participant could adapt to the sensation of the current. 10 sessions. Constant current intensity of 2 mA The anode was placed on position F3, coinciding with the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the cathode was placed on Fp2, coinciding with the right supraorbital area (rSO).
Receives: Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
Sham stimulationSham comparatorThe sham group received direct current only on the ramps to generate a sensation of the effect.
Receives: Device: Sham stimulation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Complutense Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC) - Memory

    This test presents a list of 16 words that, after being read by the evaluator, have to be repeated by the participant. The list is repeated five times (trials); the participant is again asked to remember the 16 words. The test was administered to evaluate the participant's immediate memory (Trial 1), learning ability (Trial 5 ). Post-intervention minus baseline. Scale is scored 0-16. Difference score range is (-16 to 16) with positive scores reflecting improvement.

    Measured: Baseline to approximately 4 weeks

  2. Digits Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults-III (WAIS-III)

    Direct and inverse digits of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults-III (Wechsler, 2001). These tests assess attentional capacity by exposing the participant to increasing amounts of information. On the direct digits task, which is used to assess immediate recall, the subject must repeat the sequence of numbers in the same order in which they are read by the examiner. On the inverse digit task, which assesses working memory and mental flexibility, the subject must say the digits backwards from the way they were presented by the examiner. Both tests are evaluated in the same way, assigning one point for each correct item, with a maximum score of 16 for both tests. Post-intervention minus baseline. Difference score range is (-16 to 16) with positive scores reflecting improvement.

    Measured: Baseline to approximately 4 weeks

  3. Mini Mental State Examination

    This is a screening test for general cognitive status. This test is evaluated on a maximum of 30 points. Participants with scores equal to or below 23 would be considered cognitively deficient. Post-intervention minus baseline. Scale is scored 0-30. Difference score range is (-30 to 30) with positive scores reflecting improvement.

    Measured: Baseline to approximately 4 weeks

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Barcelona Test (BT) - Ability to Access and Recall Elements From the Lexical and Semantic Store

    Barcelona Test assesses the ability to access and recall lexical and semantic items by means of two subtests: a. Semantic fluency: recall the highest number of words from the category 'animals' in one minute; b. Phonological fluency: recall the highest number of words beginning with the letter 'p' in three minutes. Minimum and maximum range for Semantic fluency and Phonological fluency: 0 to n (no upper limit). Method of calculation: Scores for each subtest are reported separately. No combined scores or averages between subtests are calculated. Interpretation: Good categorical recall is considered good when evoking more than 16 animals in 1 minute and good verbal fluency when evoking more than 19 words beginning with 'p' in 3 minutes. This test assesses the ability to access and recall items from the lexical and semantic store. Processes involved: processing speed, cognitive flexibility and working memory. Post-intervention less baseline with positive scores reflecting improvement.

    Measured: Baseline to approximately 4 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted31 Jan 2022
  2. Study start30 Jul 2020
  3. Primary completion30 Dec 2021
  4. Study completion30 May 2023

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
sham versus stimulation
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
38 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05216315
Sponsor's protocol ID
H1526539449220
Acronym
FRtDCS
Status last verified
Dec 2024
First submitted
19 Jan 2022
Last updated
19 Dec 2024
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: All the information of the study, as well as its results, will be shared in scientific publications and conferences related to the research area. The information that is intended to be published in scientific journals includes: 1\) Study Protocol, 2) Statistical Analysis, 3) Informed Consent Form, 4) Clinical Study Results.

Publications

  • Dedoncker J, Brunoni AR, Baeken C, Vanderhasselt MA. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) Over the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Healthy and Neuropsychiatric Samples: Influence of Stimulation Parameters. Brain Stimul. 2016 Jul-Aug;9(4):501-17. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2016.04.006. Epub 2016 Apr 12.

    PubMed 27160468
  • Deldar Z, Rustamov N, Blanchette I, Piche M. Improving working memory and pain inhibition in older persons using transcranial direct current stimulation. Neurosci Res. 2019 Nov;148:19-27. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.12.007. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

    PubMed 30615905
  • Galli G, Vadillo MA, Sirota M, Feurra M, Medvedeva A. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on episodic memory. Brain Stimul. 2019 Mar-Apr;12(2):231-241. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.11.008. Epub 2018 Nov 17.

    PubMed 30503376
  • Hill AT, Fitzgerald PB, Hoy KE. Effects of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Working Memory: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Findings From Healthy and Neuropsychiatric Populations. Brain Stimul. 2016 Mar-Apr;9(2):197-208. doi: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.10.006. Epub 2015 Oct 23.

    PubMed 26597929
  • Huo L, Zheng Z, Huang J, Li R, Li J, Li J. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Episodic Memory in Healthy Older Adults by Modulating Retrieval-Specific Activation. Neural Plast. 2020 Dec 5;2020:8883046. doi: 10.1155/2020/8883046. eCollection 2020.

    PubMed 33354206
  • Nissim NR, O'Shea A, Indahlastari A, Kraft JN, von Mering O, Aksu S, Porges E, Cohen R, Woods AJ. Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Paired With Cognitive Training on Functional Connectivity of the Working Memory Network in Older Adults. Front Aging Neurosci. 2019 Dec 16;11:340. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00340. eCollection 2019.

    PubMed 31998111
  • Perceval G, Martin AK, Copland DA, Laine M, Meinzer M. Multisession transcranial direct current stimulation facilitates verbal learning and memory consolidation in young and older adults. Brain Lang. 2020 Jun;205:104788. doi: 10.1016/j.bandl.2020.104788. Epub 2020 Mar 19.

    PubMed 32199339
  • Summers JJ, Kang N, Cauraugh JH. Does transcranial direct current stimulation enhance cognitive and motor functions in the ageing brain? A systematic review and meta- analysis. Ageing Res Rev. 2016 Jan;25:42-54. doi: 10.1016/j.arr.2015.11.004. Epub 2015 Nov 30.

    PubMed 26607412

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in people with Aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment, run by University of Valencia at 1 site in Spain.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Dec 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Spain. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 19 Dec 2024). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Complutense Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC) - Memory (time frame: Baseline to approximately 4 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05216315, which also lists 8 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Dec 2024.

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tDCS and Cognitive Efficiency in Ageing (NCT05216315) | AzTrials