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rTMS and Cognitive Training To Slow Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease

Start: October 3, 2019
End: December 2023
Enrollment: 20

What Is This Study About?

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a noninvasive therapy that delivers magnetic pulses to the brain to stimulate nerve cells. This study will evaluate whether rTMS, interactive cognitive training, or a combination of both, can slow cognitive decline in people with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will undergo cognitive training with one of two different interactive video games combined with either rTMS or a sham. At study enrollment and six months after study completion, researchers will use surveys to assess cognitive function and memory and assess changes in brain structure using MRI scans. 

Do I Qualify To Participate in This Study?

Minimum Age: 50 Years

Maximum Age: 85 Years

Must have:

  • Probable Alzheimer's disease with the following:
    • Mini-Mental State Exam score of 18-26
    • Modified Hachinski Ischemic Scale score of < 4

Must NOT have:

  • Moderate to severe depression with Geriatric Depression Scale score of > 6
  • Current thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • Any unstable medical conditions
  • Progressive neurological disorders, other than a current diagnosis of Alzheimer's, or signs of brain abnormality on neurological exam
  • Ringing sounds in one or both ears (i.e., tinnitus)
  • Vision or mobility impairment
  • If taking cognition-enhancing medication, the dosage must be stable for at least three months before starting the study
  • History of epilepsy or seizure disorder or intake of one or a combination of drugs that could increase seizure risk
  • History of psychosis or any other mental or physical conditions that could interfere with study participation or analysis
  • Substance use disorder within the past six months
  • Metal implants (excluding dental fillings) or conditions that could make having an MRI unsafe (e.g., epilepsy, claustrophobia)
  • Possible pregnancy

If I Qualify, Who Do I Contact?

Contact study personnel listed either under the general study contact or the location nearest you.

 
Study Contact
Barbara Harring
Padma Tirumalai, PhD

Need Help?

Contact NIA’s Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center at 800-438-4380 or email ADEAR.

Where Is This Study Located?

West Virginia
West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
Morgantown, WV 26506
Recruiting
Marc W Haut, PhD

Who Sponsors This Study?

Lead: Ali Rezai

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04440891