Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation and computerized cognitive training on executive functioning in individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia. In this study, investigators will use transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to stimulate the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Previous studies have demonstrated that tDCS over the DLPFC led to improvements in attention deficit caused by stroke, Parkinson's Disease, and major depression as well as language deficits caused by neurodegenerative conditions such as primary progressive aphasia or mild cognitive impairment. The investigators seek to expand on this literature by investigating how anodal tDCS paired with and without cognitive training will impact executive functioning in PPA with Frontotemporal Dementia or Alzheimer's Disease pathology and Mild Cognitive Impairment/Alzheimer's Disease (e.g. shifting, updating, monitoring, and manipulation).
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for right-handed individuals who have been clinically diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild Alzheimer's Disease, based on neuropsychological and language testing, MRI scans, and clinical assessment. Participants must speak English fluently and have at least a high-school education. Those with uncorrected vision/hearing issues, other learning disorders, inability to follow directions, severe psychiatric conditions or previous neurological disorders like stroke are excluded.Treatment Details
The study tests the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex combined with computerized cognitive training from BrainHQ. The goal is to improve executive functioning in patients with PPA associated with FTD or Alzheimer's Disease pathology as well as those with MCI/Alzheimer's Disease.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Active tDCS on the DLPFC onlyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will receive active tDCS on the DLPFC-only intervention first and then receive active tDCS + Cognitive Intervention(s) after a three-month washout period.
Group II: Active tDCS on the DLPFC + Cognitive Intervention(s)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions
Participants will receive active tDCS on DLPFC + Cognitive Intervention(s) first and then receive only active tDCS Intervention after a three-month washout period.
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Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, MD
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Who is running the clinical trial?
Johns Hopkins UniversityLead Sponsor
Ybrain Inc.Industry Sponsor