RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

dTMS for Subjective Cognitive Decline

This study is looking into a new approach to help older adults who are worried about their memory and have a family history of Alzheimer's disease. It combines a gentle brain stimulation technique called Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) with cognitive training, which involves brain exercises. dTMS uses magnetic fields to gently activate specific brain areas. Researchers want to understand if this combination can improve memory, other thinking abilities, and even mood in these individuals. They will also look at how brain activity changes. The goal is to find new ways to support brain health and potentially slow down memory problems for those at risk.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest

Enrolment target

Start

15 Nov 2023

Estimated completion

15 Nov 2026

Alzheimer Disease Subjective Cognitive Decline

What is this study about?

Imagine your brain as a super-smart computer. Sometimes, as we get older, some parts of this 'computer' might not work as efficiently as they used to, leading to concerns about memory or thinking. This study is exploring a new way to give your brain a little boost.

It focuses on older adults who notice their memory isn't quite as sharp as it used to be and also have a family history of Alzheimer's disease. The study uses something called Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS). This isn't surgery; instead, it uses a special coil placed on your head that creates a gentle magnetic field. This field passes through your skull and causes a tiny electrical current in specific brain areas. These areas are thought to be important for memory and thinking.

The exciting part is that the study combines this dTMS with 'cognitive training,' which are like exercises for your brain. The researchers want to see if this combination can make a real difference in people's memory, other thinking skills, and how they feel overall. They're also interested in understanding how these treatments affect brain activity. It's a stepping stone to finding better ways to keep our brains healthy as we age.

Key takeaways

Exploring brain stimulation (dTMS) combined with brain exercises.
Aimed at older adults worried about memory with a family history of Alzheimer's.
Could help improve memory, thinking, and mood.
Participation involves regular visits for treatment and assessments.
You won't know if you're getting the active or dummy treatment.
It's a research study to find new ways to support brain health.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for around 30 older adults, specifically between 55 and 70 years old. You might be a good fit if you've noticed changes in your memory that concern you, and if someone in your close family (like a parent or sibling) had Alzheimer's disease. You'll need to be generally healthy and able to attend the appointments regularly.

There are also some important things that would mean you couldn't take part. For example, if you have certain metal implants in your head (like a pacemaker, but not dental fillings), or if you have specific medical conditions like a history of seizures, certain mental health conditions, or a significant heart problem. They'll also check if you're taking certain medications that might interfere with the study.

Also, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have significant hearing loss, this study wouldn't be suitable. A key part is also having a family member or close friend who can help answer some questions about you during the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 55 and 70 years old?
Have you noticed your memory isn't as sharp as it used to be?
Does a close family member (parent or sibling) have Alzheimer's disease?
Do you have any metal implants in your head (excluding dental work)? If yes, you might not be eligible.
Are you generally healthy and able to attend study appointments regularly?
Do you have a family member or friend who could help answer some questions for the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be one of about 30 older adults. You'll take part in a 'crossover' study, which means you might receive the actual brain stimulation (dTMS) alongside brain exercises for a period, and then a dummy (sham) treatment with brain exercises for another period, or vice versa. This helps the researchers compare the effects accurately. You won't know whether you're getting the active or dummy treatment, and neither will the study team.

You'll have regular visits for the dTMS treatment and cognitive training sessions. These will involve the brain stimulation itself and specific exercises designed to improve your thinking skills. Researchers will assess your memory, thinking abilities, and mood throughout the study, likely through tests and questionnaires. They'll also use a special scan called an EEG to look at your brain activity. The study asks that you're on stable medication (if any) and don't change it during the study. The exact number of visits and total duration will be explained in detail if you're interested.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially offer benefits such as improvements in your memory, thinking skills, and mood, though this is not guaranteed as it's still research. The dTMS is generally considered safe, but like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as mild discomfort during stimulation, headaches, or in very rare cases, seizures. All potential risks will be thoroughly explained to you, and your safety will be closely monitored throughout. Remember, participating is entirely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'subjective cognitive decline'?

It means you've noticed your memory or thinking isn't as good as it used to be, even if tests don't always show a problem yet.

What does 'dTMS' feel like?

Most people feel a tapping sensation on their scalp during dTMS, which can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the dummy one?

No, this is a 'blinded' study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know who is receiving the active dTMS versus the sham (dummy) treatment.

What is 'cognitive training'?

These are mental exercises designed to challenge your brain and improve your memory and other thinking skills.

How long will the study last?

The information doesn't specify the exact duration, but it will involve multiple sessions and assessments over a period to evaluate the effects.

How to find out more

Amanda Rahmadian

dtms@research.baycrest.org 416-785-2500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.