NCT06094192 · Boston University Charles River Campus
Improving Memory in Alzheimer's Disease With Noninvasive Brain Stimulation
What this study is about
The investigators will evaluate the theory that Alzheimer's disease-related memory impairment derives from the inefficient orchestration of rhythmic activity at the level of large-scale cortical networks. The results as expected to elucidate AD-related pathophysiology and set groundwork for the development of drug-free interventions for improving memory in AD and related dementias.
View original scientific description
The investigators will evaluate the theory that Alzheimer's disease-related memory impairment derives from the inefficient orchestration of rhythmic activity at the level of large-scale cortical networks. The results as expected to elucidate AD-related pathophysiology and set groundwork for the development of drug-free interventions for improving memory in AD and related dementias.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Exclusion criteria
- below. MCI due to AD. Meets MCI due to AD according to NIA-AA criteria 86; MoCA \>18 85; performance on Uniform Data Set version 3 (UDS-3) delayed recall (Craft Story 21) and recognition (Benson Complex Figure) memory worse than 1.0 SD for age and education adjusted norms. A summary of the NIA-AA criteria for MCI due to AD are that there is (1) clinical concern reflecting a change in cognition reported by patient, informant, or clinician; (2) objective impairment in one or more domains, typically including memory; (3) preservation of independence in functional abilities; (4) not demented; (5) a rule out of vascular, traumatic, and medical causes of cognitive decline; (6) evidence of longitudinal decline in cognition, when feasible; (7) history consistent with AD genetic factors, where relevant. All diagnoses are made by the BU ADRC clinical core consensus and confirmed by Dr. Budson. The majority of patients will have a positive AD biomarker, either from CSF or PET. See also Additional Inclusion/Exclusion criteria below. Healthy controls. Healthy controls will also be recruited from the BU ADRC and will be age, education, and gender matched to the AD patients. They will have a MoCA \> 2585 and performance within 1.0 SD for age and education adjusted norms on Uniform Data Set version 3 (UDS-3). All "diagnoses" of healthy controls will be made by the BU ADRC clinical core consensus and confirmed by Dr. Budson. The majority of healthy controls will have a negative AD biomarker, either from CSF or PET. See also Additional Inclusion/Exclusion criteria below. All subjects. Current conditions allowed: mild depression and/or anxiety not requiring hospitalization or medications other than what are listed below; hyperlipidemia; hypercholesterolemia; hypertension; heart disease; asthma; gastroesophageal reflux disease; edema; treated hypothyroidism; systemic vascular disease (but not stroke); dermatological disorders; ophthalmologic disorders. Prior conditions excluded: stroke, traumatic brain injury, other brain or systemic disorder that, in the opinion of Dr. Budson, has produced a permanent alteration of cognition. Current medications allowed: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; cholinesterase inhibitors (for the patients with AD); statins; beta adrenergic blockers; bronchodilators; ace inhibitors; calcium channel blockers; angiotensin II receptor blockers; other antihypertensive agents; histamine-2 receptor antagonists; proton-pump inhibitors; diuretics; thyroid medications; aspirin; non-narcotic analgesics; antiplatelet agents; vitamins \& minerals; topical medications; eye drops. Inclusion/exclusion criteria related to tasks, EEG and tACS. Subjects must have normal or corrected-to-normal vision, color vision, nonpregnant, no metal implants in head, no implanted electronic devices, no skin sensitivity, and no claustrophobia. Additional exclusion criteria. Subjects will be excluded if they cannot understand the informed consent or the experimental procedures. Subjects will be excluded if they have a significant vision and/or hearing impairment which will prevent them from understanding the informed consent and from completing the experimental procedures.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 19, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations