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

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

Detailed Description
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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.

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

Conditions
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Mild Cognitive Impairment

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Active frontal
* Device: Active parietal
* Device: Sham


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age between 40 and 90 Capable of understanding and signing an informed consent Experiencing severe memory problems Exclusion Criteria: Severe organic co-morbidity Pace maker / defibrillator Pregnancy

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 40 Years
Maximum Age: 90 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Active frontal<br>Active HD-tDCS | Device: Active frontal<br>* 1) active HD-tDCS will be administered<br>|
| Experimental: Active parietal<br>Active HD-tDCS | Device: Active parietal<br>* 2) active HD-tDCS will be administered<br>|
| Sham Comparator: Sham control<br>Sham HD-tDCS | Device: Sham<br>* 3) sham HD-tDCS - no current<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Memory retrieval/word finding assessment. | Changes in cognitive performance are compared between the 3 groups to investigate the influence of HD-tDCS on memory retrieval/word finding. | 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) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Electroencephalography (EEG). | 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. | 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) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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High definition transcranial direct stimulation, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Memory