RTMS for Dementia (rTMS for demen Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Jauhtai J Cheng, MD

Research Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Veterans aged 55 years or older diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or dementia likely due to Alzheimer's disease

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

Current or Prior history of a seizure disorder as determined by patient report or chart review

Current or prior history of a mass lesion, cerebral infarct or other non-cognitive, active central nervous system (CNS) disease that would increase the risk for seizure

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up within a week following the last treatment session and 4 months later

Summary

This trial will study if magnetic stimulation can improve thinking skills in patients with neurodegenerative conditions that cause mild to moderate cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for veterans aged 55 or older with mild to moderate cognitive impairment or dementia likely due to Alzheimer's, who can attend clinic visits and have stable medication doses. They must be able to consent and not have pacemakers, cochlear implants, metal in the brain, seizure risks, severe hearing issues, active CNS diseases increasing seizure risk, recent traumatic brain injury or current psychosis.

What is being tested?

The study tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves cognitive function in patients with neurodegenerative conditions leading to dementia. It also examines if the severity of initial cognitive impairment affects rTMS response. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either rTMS or a sham (placebo-like) procedure.

What are the potential side effects?

While specific side effects of rTMS aren't detailed here, common ones include headaches, scalp discomfort at the treatment site during stimulation sessions; rare but serious side effects may include seizures.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I am a veteran aged 55 or older with Mild Cognitive Impairment or Alzheimer's.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I have a history of seizures.

Select...

I have a brain condition that could increase my risk of seizures.

Select...

I have previously undergone rTMS or electroconvulsive therapy.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ within a week following the last treatment session and 4 months later

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~within a week following the last treatment session and 4 months later

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and within a week following the last treatment session and 4 months later for reporting.