Investigating HD-tDCS in Improving Word Finding and Memory Retrieval in Individuals With MCI

Investigating Multi-electrode tDCS in Improving Word Finding and Memory Retrieval in Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Status

Withdrawn

Phases

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT03446508

Enrollment

Registered

2018-02-26

Start date

2017-11-18

Completion date

2022-01-25

Last updated

2022-02-08

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Keywords

High definition transcranial direct stimulation, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Memory

Brief summary

This study is attempting to improve word finding and memory retrieval problems persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may have.

Detailed description

This study attempts to improve word finding and memory retrieval problems in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). To remember and find words, the brain has to search for the correct memory and MCI can negatively affect this search. Studies have suggested that low level electrical stimulation of the memory retrieval circuit can improve memory recall. The purpose of this study is to find the exact influence of multi-electrode or High Definition transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) by targeting a frontal and a parietal brain area, and their roles in memory retrieval/word finding in MCI. By modulating ongoing activity in 6 sessions of HD-tDCS the study investigates whether HD-tDCS may be used as a way to improve memory retrieval/word finding evaluated by cognitive measures and electroencephalography (EEG) measures before the first session and after the last session of HD-tDCS with a follow-up session 1-month after the stimulation procedure.

Interventions

DEVICEActive frontal

1\) active HD-tDCS will be administered

DEVICEActive parietal

2\) active HD-tDCS will be administered

DEVICESham

3\) sham HD-tDCS - no current

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

40 Years to 90 Years

Healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Age between 40 and 90 2. Capable of understanding and signing an informed consent 3. Experiencing severe memory problems

Exclusion criteria

1. Severe organic co-morbidity 2. Pace maker / defibrillator 3. Pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Memory retrieval/word finding assessment.	Baseline (before the first HD-tDCS session), immediate post (immediately after the last HD-tDCS session) and 1 month follow up (1 month after the last HD-tDCS session)	Changes in cognitive performance are compared between the 3 groups to investigate the influence of HD-tDCS on memory retrieval/word finding.

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Electroencephalography (EEG).	Baseline (before the first HD-tDCS session), immediate post (immediately after the last HD-tDCS session) and 1 month follow up (1 month after the last HD-tDCS session)	Brain activity is recorded with electroencephalography (EEG) and is compared between the 3 groups to investigate the influence of HD-tDCS on memory retrieval/word finding.

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026