Long-term Home-based Transcranial Electrical Stimulation for Cognitive and Motor Function in Older Adults With an Increased Risk of Dementia: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Hebrew SeniorLife
Summary
The objective of this study is to determine the effects of a 6-month, home-based personalized transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) intervention targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex on cognitive function, dual task standing and walking, and other metrics of mobility in older adults with motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR).
Description
In older adults, motoric cognitive risk (MCR) is a pre-dementia transition state between "normal" aging and dementia. MCR is associated with impaired function within several brain networks that causes numerous symptoms including loss of memory, the ability to complete complex mental tasks, and the capacity to control one's walking and thus avoid falling and fall-related injuries. This study seeks to assess the short-term and long-term use of an investigational device called a transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS is a noninvasive technology that enables selective modulation of…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65–90 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women * Age 65-90 years * Subjective cognitive complaints as defined by a 'Yes' response to "Do you feel that you have more problems with memory than most?" or a 'No' response to "is your mind as clear as it used to be?" * Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score ≥21 * Slow gait speed as measured by averaging two 4-Meter walks and defined as a usual walking speed one standard deviation below age and sex-adjusted means. * Absence of significant disability as defined by the ability to walk over the instrumented gait mat unassisted (e.g., able to walk without any…
Interventions
- OtherPersonalized Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)
Home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) tailored to target the left dlPFC.
- OtherActive-Sham
Stimulation administered in very low-level currents (0.5 mA total) designed to not significantly influence cortical tissue, but still mimic the cutaneous sensations induced by tDCS.
Locations (2)
- Hebrew Rehabilitation CenterRoslindale, Massachusetts
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical CenterTel Aviv