Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation for Lewy Body Dementia (SCAN Trial)

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byBenjamin Hampstead, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Michigan

No Placebo Group

Approved in 3 jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial is testing a new method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to help people with Lewy body dementias (LBD). LBD patients often have trouble staying alert, and this treatment uses a small electrical current to stimulate certain brain areas. The goal is to see if this can improve their alertness and reduce cognitive issues. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that has been found to enhance cognitive functions in various neurological conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with Lewy body dementias, specifically those diagnosed with probable DLB or PDD who experience cognitive fluctuations. Participants must be on stable doses of cholinesterase inhibitors for at least four weeks and exhibit certain symptoms like motor signs, attention issues, visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, smell dysfunction, or autonomic problems.

Treatment Details

The study aims to understand the role of acetylcholine in alertness fluctuations in dementia patients and assesses the potential benefits of HD-tDCS (high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique targeting specific brain regions associated with alertness.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Experimental: HD-tDCSExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Maximum 4 milliAmp (mA) per channel of HD-tDCS treatment for 20 minutes, for 10 sessions. Total mA dose determined by individualized computational models.

HD-tDCS is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

🇺🇸 Approved in United States as HD-tDCS for: