Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease
(tDCS Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byJau-Shin Lou, MD

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: Sanford Health

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The investigators hypothesize that multi-session anodal tDCS (atDCS) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDLPFC) will induce long-lasting effects in improving motor function and reducing motor fatigue and fatigability in PD patients.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Parkinson's Disease who experience motor function difficulties and fatigue. Participants must be eligible based on specific criteria set by the researchers, which are not detailed here.

Inclusion Criteria

Must be able to consent

I have Parkinson's with symptoms like tremor or stiffness.

Exclusion Criteria

I have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Patients with dementia (MOCA < 21)

I am receiving or have received DBS for Parkinson's disease.

+4 more

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive 2mA of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for 20 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days

1 week

5 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

2 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Participant Groups

The study tests if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) can improve movement and reduce tiredness in Parkinson's patients compared to no treatment.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: Experimental GroupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The experimental group will receive 2mA of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for 20 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days.

Group II: Sham GroupPlacebo Group1 Intervention

The sham group will be connected to the anodal transcranial direct current stimulation device daily for 5 days. During the 20 minute sessions, the participant will only receive stimulation for a 30-second ramp up period, at which point the stimulation will be discontinued for the remainder of the time.