RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

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

This study is investigating a new, gentle brain stimulation method called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for people aged 60 and over who have Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI is a condition that sometimes happens before Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to see if tACS, which uses a very mild electrical current, can improve a type of memory called 'working memory' – this is like the mental notepad we use for daily tasks, such as doing mental sums. The aim is to understand if tACS could help keep people's brains sharper and potentially delay the progression of memory problems. Participants will have short treatment sessions daily for two weeks, along with some health and memory tests before and after to see if there are any changes.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Enrolment target

Start

02 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

What is this study about?

This research is looking at a new way to help people who have Mild Cognitive Impairment, often called MCI. MCI means that someone has noticeable memory or thinking problems, but they are not yet severe enough to interfere with their daily life. Sometimes, MCI can be a step before conditions like Alzheimer's disease, so researchers are very keen to find ways to help people at this early stage.

At the moment, treatments for Alzheimer's disease often come too late to make a big difference. That's why this study focuses on MCI, trying to find ways to support the brain's ability to cope with memory issues. One important skill is called 'working memory' – this is what you use when you're remembering a phone number just long enough to dial it, or doing mental maths. This study hopes to improve working memory using a technique called transcranial alternating current stimulation, or tACS.

tACS is a gentle, non-invasive method that involves placing small electrodes on the scalp. These electrodes deliver a very weak electrical current that helps to stimulate brain cells. Researchers believe that tACS might improve how different parts of the brain communicate and work together, which in turn could boost working memory. This study is a first step to see if tACS is practical and effective for people with MCI, and if it could lay the groundwork for bigger studies in the future to help prevent or slow memory decline.

Key takeaways

This study investigates a gentle brain stimulation for people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
It aims to see if 'tACS' can improve working memory and thinking skills.
Participants must be aged 60 or older with an MCI diagnosis.
Involves daily 1-1.5 hour sessions for two weeks, plus assessments.
tACS is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated, causing only mild scalp sensations.
Future goal is to contribute to preventing or slowing Alzheimer's disease.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged 60 or older and have been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by a doctor. This diagnosis means you have some memory or thinking challenges, but they aren't severe enough to be considered dementia. You should also be able to understand and speak English in order to take part properly.

There are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For instance, if you are currently taking certain medications for memory problems, such as acetylcholine esterase inhibitors or memantine, or if you have a significant current medical condition like major depression, you wouldn't be able to participate. The study team will check these details carefully.

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 60 years old or older?
Have you been diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) by a doctor?
Are you able to speak and understand English?
Are you currently NOT taking specific memory medications like Aricept or Ebixa?
Do you feel generally healthy and not currently experiencing severe depression?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would first have an initial assessment. This includes some quick health checks, memory and thinking tests, and a small blood sample. This is done to understand your health and cognitive abilities at the start of the study.

Then, you would come to the CAMH clinic for treatment sessions. These sessions would be five days a week for two weeks in a row, with each session lasting about 1 to 1.5 hours. During these sessions, you would receive the tACS treatment, which is a mild electrical stimulation to your scalp. Some participants will receive 'sham' tACS, which feels similar but delivers no active stimulation; this helps researchers compare the real treatment to a placebo.

After the two weeks of treatment, you would have another set of health, memory, and blood tests, similar to the ones at the beginning. This helps the researchers see if there have been any changes or improvements. The total time for your involvement would be over these two weeks, plus the initial and final assessment days.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might offer some potential benefits. It could improve your working memory and thinking skills, but this is not guaranteed, as the study is still trying to discover if tACS works for MCI. You would also be contributing to important research that could help others with similar conditions in the future. As for risks, tACS is generally considered low-risk and non-painful. You might feel a mild tingling or itching sensation on your scalp during the stimulation. There are no major known side effects beyond that. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

MCI means you have some memory or thinking problems that are noticeable to you and others, but they are not so severe that they affect your daily life and independence.

What is tACS?

tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation) is a gentle treatment where small pads are placed on your scalp to deliver a very mild electrical current, aiming to help your brain cells communicate better.

Will I feel pain during tACS?

No, tACS is not painful. You might feel a mild tingling, itching, or buzzing sensation on your scalp where the pads are placed, but it should not hurt.

Will I know if I'm getting the real tACS or the 'sham' (placebo) treatment?

No, you won't know this during the study. This is to ensure the results are accurate. The 'sham' treatment feels similar but doesn't deliver the active stimulation.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

Your involvement will primarily be over two full weeks, with initial and final assessments before and after this period.

How to find out more

Sanjeev Kumar, MD

sanjeev.kumar@camh.ca 416-535-8501 Official trial record

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