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Neuromodulation for Behavioral Changes in Neurological Disorders

A Prospective Early Feasibility Study of Focused Ultrasound Neuromodulation for Emotional Dysregulation Due to Dementia.

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07718906
Enrollment
15
Registered
2026-07-22
Start date
2026-07-25
Completion date
2028-12-30
Last updated
2026-07-22

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

Conditions

Dementia

Keywords

Neuromodulation, Focused Ultrasound

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to see if a focused ultrasound neuromodulation can be safely and effectively used to treat symptoms of emotional dysregulation such as agitation, irritability and anxiety

Detailed description

This open-label early feasibility study investigates low intensity focussed ultrasound (FUS), in participants with emotional dysregulation due to dementia. The primary objective is to test the safety and feasibility of FUS in this population.

Interventions

DEVICEFocused Ultrasound

Subjects will undergo a single focused ultrasound Neuromodulation of the target brain region

Sponsors

West Virginia University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Prospective open label single group

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
45 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Age 45-80 years at time of enrollment. * Diagnosis of probable mild-stage neurodegenerative dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD, including behavioral variant and language variant), or dementia with Lewy bodies (LBD), based on established consensus clinical criteria. * Presence of clinically meaningful (in treatment for or recommended for the symptoms) neuropsychiatric or behavioral symptoms including but not limited to anxiety, agitation, depression, irritability, apathy, or disinhibition * Able to undergo MRI scanning * Adequate auditory and visual abilities to complete study procedures as determined by the investigator. * Availability of a study partner (legally authorized representative, caregiver, or family member) who has regular contact with the participant and can provide collateral information and assist with assessments. * Ability to provide informed consent, or assent with legally authorized representative (LAR) consent in accordance with WVU IRB policy and applicable West Virginia law. .Currently under the care of a licensed physician, psychiatrist, or neurologist, and agrees to allow communication between investigators/study staff and healthcare providers for purposes of eligibility confirmation and safety monitoring.

Exclusion criteria

* Moderate to severe dementia (i.e., beyond mild stage). * Clinically significant MRI abnormality that may jeopardize participant safety, study conduct, or confound diagnostic assessments. * History of clinically significant neurological disorder other than the qualifying dementia diagnosis that could confound evaluation or increase risk. * Major psychiatric disorder that would interfere with participation or safety, including psychosis, active suicidal ideation, or severe mood/anxiety disorder requiring immediate intervention. * Elevated suicide risk with History of medically verified suicide attempt within the past year. * Use of medications that significantly lower the seizure threshold or interfere with neuromodulation safety, as determined by the study physician. * Use of investigational drugs or participation in another interventional clinical trial within 30 days prior to screening. * Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with study participation, safety, or interpretation of results.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Occurrence of Treatment Emergent Adverse EventsWeek 12 compared to baselineAll adverse events that are related to FUS treatment will be assessed

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change in behavioral symptomsWeek 12 compared to baselineChange in behavioral symptoms as assessed by NPI
Changes in Anxiety symptomsWeek 12 compared to baselineChanges in Anxiety symptoms as measured by GAD-7

Countries

United States

Contacts

CONTACTMarc Haut, PhD
mhaut@hsc.wvu.edu304-293-8182
CONTACTJennifer Marton, BA
jmarton@hsc.wvu.edu304-293-5886
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAli Rezai

WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jul 23, 2026