NCT05195398 · Johns Hopkins University
TDCS to Improve Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment
(TIPSCI)
What this study is about
The investigators will conduct a randomly assigned, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial of approximately 60 patients with minor stroke and post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (psMCI).
View original scientific description
The investigators will conduct a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial of approximately 60 patients with minor stroke and post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (psMCI). Participants will be individually randomized on enrollment using a random number generator to treatment with anodal tDCS + computerized cognitive treatment (CCT) versus sham + CCT (approximately 30 patients in each arm). Clinical evaluation including assessment of cognition will be performed pre- and post-intervention by individuals on the study team blinded to the participant's intervention. Participants will also undergo functional neuroimaging with magnetoencephalography (MEG) pre- and post-intervention (1, 3, and 6 months post-stroke to evaluate for initial and longer-term effects of treatment on cerebral activation patterns and functional connectivity). Neuroimaging and clinical outcomes will be assessed to determine the effect of tDCS versus sham + CCT on psMCI.
Interventions
DEVICE
Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (A-tDCS)
Participants randomized to tDCS will undergo 5 weeks of A-tDCS + CCT.
DEVICE
Sham Intervention
Participants randomized to sham-intervention will undergo 5 weeks of sham + CCT.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Cognition as assessed by our Cognitive Battery
Time frame: Administered at 1, 3, and 6 month post-stroke visits
Our cognitive battery was designed to efficiently evaluate for psMCI. It combines the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Grooved Pegboard, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, and Symbol Digit Modalities Test. T scores are averaged across tasks and calculated for the following cognitive domains: verbal memory, spatial memory, processing speed, motor speed, executive function, and global cognition.
Change in Functional Connectivity as assessed by MEG
Time frame: Administered at 1, 3, and 6 month post-stroke visits
Participants will undergo an MEG evaluating global functional connectivity: 1) during resting state, and 2) during completion of a visual task. Connectivity will also be evaluated within the following specific cognitive networks: frontoparietal (executive) and limbic (memory)
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.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults (≥18 years) presenting with neurological symptoms due to acute ischemic stroke (symptom onset within the week prior to admission).
- Evidence on brain MRI of acute ischemic stroke (imaging negative strokes and TIAs will be excluded).
- Native English speaker (by self-report) prior to stroke.
- NIHSS \<8 at initial follow-up visit (approximately 30 days post-stroke).
- mRS 0-2 at initial follow-up visit.
Exclusion criteria
- Primary intracerebral hemorrhage- as evidenced by blood on head CT or MRI.
- Presence of proximal large vessel occlusion.
- Cortical exam findings including aphasia or neglect.
- Prior report or history of dementia or undertreated psychiatric illness.
- Uncorrected hearing or visual loss.
- Inability to attend treatment or follow-up sessions.
- Inability to travel to College Park (UMD) for MEG recording sessions.
- Presence of any of the following that would lead to significant artifact on MEG: cardiac pacemaker, intracranial clips, metal implants or external clips within 10mm of the head, metal implants in the eyes (unlikely given that all patients will have an MRI and criteria are similar).
- Claustrophobia, obesity, and/or any other reason leading to difficulty staying in the MEG machine for up to 1 hour.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
University of Maryland, College Park, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Related conditions & keywords
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 16, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations