RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06783283

TACS to Engage Theta-Gamma Coupling and Enhance Working Memory in Patients With MCI (tACS-MCI)

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Engage Theta-Gamma Coupling and Enhance Working Memory in Patients With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrollment

20 participants

Start Date

Jan 2, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Summary

This study is looking at a new non-invasive brain stimulation methods called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to see if it can improve working memory and thinking processes in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). tACS is a low-risk, non-painful, low electrical current that circulates through the brain of awake participants and stimulates their brain cells. Participants must be 60 years of age and have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Participants will undergo treatment sessions that range from 1 to 1.5 hours at CAMH, 5 days a week, over a total of 2 weeks. In addition, participants will complete clinical and cognitive assessments and bloodwork at baseline and again after treatment.

Eligibility

Min Age: 60 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a noninvasive brain stimulation technique (transcranial alternating current stimulation, or tACS) that targets a specific brain wave pattern (theta-gamma coupling) to try to improve working memory in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 60 or older - You have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) confirmed by a clinician, consistent with early Alzheimer's-related changes - You have objective evidence of memory or cognitive decline on testing - You have a study partner (family member or friend) who can assist **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device in your head - You have a history of epilepsy or seizures - You have another cause for your cognitive decline (such as stroke or medication) - Your cognitive impairment has progressed to full dementia Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICETranscranial Alternating Current Stimulation

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive electrical stimulation that will be used to stimulate the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and temporal cortices and in turn enhance Theta-Gamma Coupling (TGC) and working memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Each participant will receive daily stimulation for 10 days. To deliver the tACS, multiple electrodes embedded in a cap placed on the participant's head. Sham-tACS will follow the same procedure.

DEVICESham tACS

During sham-tACS, the device will ramp up to the desired intensity over 60 seconds, and then will immediately ramp down, and the stimulation will be shut off, until the end of the session. At the end of the session, the device will again ramp up for 60 seconds and then ramp down. Sham-tACS will also target dlPFC and temporal cortices (similar to active). Each participant will receive daily sham-tACS for 10 days. To deliver the sham-tACS, multiple electrodes will be embedded in a cap placed on the participant's head.