Accelerated Brain Stimulation to Improve Cognition
Full study title: Neuromodulation of the Anterior Cingulate Cortex to Enhance Cognition using an Accelerated Treatment Protocol
What is the study about?
Accelerated deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) means giving multiple treatment sessions each day for 2-5 consecutive days, instead of just one session a day for 4 to 6 weeks like usual. This study explores accelerated dTMS treatment combined with cognitive training as a way to improve thinking and memory in older adults living with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the dTMS treatment or an inactive treatment (i.e., a placebo). This helps researchers determine if the treatment really works. Participants will answer questions, take memory tests, and have brain scans before and after the treatment to see how their brains change.
Eligibility- Who can participate?
- Age: 55-85 years old
- Have either:
- Subjective memory concerns and a close family member (e.g., parent or sibling) with a likely or confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease OR Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
- Have access to a computer or other device (e.g., tablet, smartphone)
- No cardiac pacemaker or other metal implants in the body
- No personal or family history of epilepsy
Time requirement
Total study duration is 9 weeks.
Baseline/Screening
- 1-2 visits lasting 1-2 hours
Treatment
- 2-5 visits in 1 week
- Each visit will be from 9am-5pm
- Each dTMS treatment will be spaced 1 hour apart
Post-Treatment Assessment
- 1 visit after the 1-week treatment period, 1-2 hours
Cognitive Training
- Done from home
- Will last 6 weeks post-treatment
- 30 minutes a day, 3-4 days per week
Post-Treatment Assessment
- 1 visit after the 6-week cognitive training, 1-2 hours
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Disclaimer
The listing of a study on the TDRA’s Research Studies Portal is for informational purposes only. The safety, efficacy or scientific validity of the studies listed here have not been evaluated by The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST) or the Toronto Dementia Research Alliance (TDRA). The TDRA is an academic coalition among the University of Toronto and Baycrest, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and the University Health Network. The information collected will be kept and guarded by TDRA. Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Before you participate in a study, you should make sure you understand the risks and potential benefits and discuss all options with your health care provider(s).