Remote Stimulation and Training to Advance Recovery From TBI in Seniors
Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if combining brain stimulation with cognitive training can improve thinking skills in older adults who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The main questions are: * Does transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) make cognitive training more effective for improving attention, memory, and decision-making? * Is this type of home-based program feasible and acceptable for older adults with TBI? Researchers will compare two groups: one group will receive active tDCS during cognitive training, and the other group will receive sham (placebo) tDCS during cognitive training. Participants will: * Complete computer-based cognitive training exercises (BrainHQ) to practice attention, memory, and decision-making. * Receive either active or sham tDCS during training sessions. * Complete assessments before and after the program to measure changes in thinking and daily functioning.
Description
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health issue among older adults. Each year, thousands of seniors sustain TBIs, most often from falls. Even when the injury is classified as "mild," it can lead to long-term problems with memory, attention, decision-making, and self-control. These difficulties can make it harder to live independently, maintain social relationships, and manage everyday responsibilities. Older adults with a history of TBI are also at greater risk of experiencing faster cognitive decline as they age. Unfortunately, there are few effective treatments available to impro…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 65+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Veterans age 65 and older. 2. History of mild TBI (as defined by the DOD/VA criteria used in conjunction with the OSU TBI-ID) sustained at least 3 months prior to enrollment. 3. Self-reported or medically documented attention and/or concentration difficulties. 4. Stable dose of all prescription and non-prescription medications that may impact cognition or brain chemistry (except for PRN medication) for at least 3 weeks prior to the baseline session (Visit 1), in the medical opinion of the principal investigator. 5. Capable and willing to provide voluntary informed conse…
Interventions
- Combination ProductActive tDCS and Cognitive Training Intervention
Forty-five minutes of cognitive training concurrent with 2 mAmps of anodal stimulation applied to the left frontal cortex for the first 20 minutes of the session.
- Combination ProductSham tDCS and Cognitive Training Intervention
Forty-five minutes of cognitive training concurrent with sham tDCS (30 secs ramp up/ramp down of current at beginning and end of session).
Location
- Minneapolis VA Health Care SystemMinneapolis, Minnesota