N/A
N=38
tDCS and Cognitive Efficiency in Ageing
Aging · Mild Cognitive Impairment · Alzheimer Disease
Bottom Line
View on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05216315 ↗Enrolled (actual)
38
Serious AEs
0.0%
Results posted
Dec 2024
Primary outcome: Primary: Complutense Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC) - Memory — 0.94; -0.81; 1.65; -0.31 units on a scale
Study Design & Population
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- N/A
- Interventions
- Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) (Device); Sham stimulation (Device)
- Age
- Older Adult · 65+ yrs
- Sex
- All
- Sponsor
- University of Valencia
- Primary completion
- Dec 2021
Outcome Measures
| Outcome | Result | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| PRIMARY Complutense Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC) - Memory |
0.94; -0.81; 1.65; -0.31 | — |
| PRIMARY Digits Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults-III (WAIS-III) |
1.35; -0.18; 0.17; -0.43 | — |
| PRIMARY Mini Mental State Examination |
2.18; -0.44 | — |
| SECONDARY Barcelona Test (BT) - Ability to Access and Recall Elements From the Lexical and Semantic Store |
0.47; -5.72; 1.77; 0.69 | — |
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. 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
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.
For the mild EA group:
- MEC score between 18 and 23 points.
- GDS between 3 and 4.
Exclusion Criteria
- 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
Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05216315). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.