University of California, Los Angeles
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if using large-coil (or "deep") repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the precuneus and surrounding areas is feasible, tolerable, and potentially efficacious for memory in Alzheimer's Disease. Previous work studying rTMS in Alzheimer's is mixed, but recent work studying rTMS of the precuneus is encouraging for both its short-term and long-term effects. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Is deep rTMS of the precuneus feasible and tolerable in Alzheimer's? * Are there signs of positive brain changes in response to deep rTMS? * Is deep rTMS potentially efficacious for memory in Alzheimer's? Researchers will compare active stimulation to placebo stimulation while obtaining memory testing and measurements of the brain (imaging, scalp electrode measurements, bloodwork) to see if active treatment works to treat Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and mild-to-moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Participants will: * Engage with memory testing, brain scans, and bloodwork during a comprehensive assessment * Visit the clinic 3 times for 12 consolidated rTMS sessions, followed by 8 once weekly maintenance visits * Be offered a full open-label active treatment course after completing their treatment course if they are initially in the placebo group
This study is designed to examine whether non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation of a specific brain region can help improve memory in the short-term in Alzheimer's Disease (AD). AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects multiple domains, including cognitive (e.g. memory, executive function), behavioral (e.g. wandering, difficulty controlling impulses, irritability), emotional (e.g. anxiety, depression), and functional (e.g. ability to live independently and complete activities of daily living) domains. It is also associated with increased caregiver burden, which can adverse…
Inclusion Criteria: * Agreement to participate in study and able to complete informed consent process * Have a caregiver or study partner who can accompany them to all study visits * Have a known alternate surrogate decision-maker (in case needed) who can be present for informed consent * Established diagnosis of biomarker-positive (amyloid-PET, plasma or CSF amyloid ratio or phosphorylated tau) mild-moderate (clinical stages 3, 4, and 5) Alzheimer's Disease based on the 2024 Alzheimer's Association Framework * Age 55-100 at the start of the study. * Screening MOCA 12-25 (\< 26, \> 11) * Scre…
rTMS Stimulation Parameters Pulse count: 1600 pulses Frequency: 20Hz Pules per train: 40 pulses Inter-train interval: 20 seconds (28s originally) Intensity: 100% Motor Threshold (depth-corrected from MRI) Target: Precuneus using structural MRI navigation with MNI coordinates
Sham coil placed in same location and set with same parameters as active treatment coil. However, this device will not output active treatment and scalp electrodes will mimic the sensation of rTMS for the participant.