The primary objective of this preliminary study is to investigate whether the transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) improves the cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Twenty patients were recruited and randomized to receive either real or sham-tDCS over the left (anode) and right (cathode) dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Their legally responsible caregivers were provided with mobile tDCS device, and were instructed to use it on the patients at home. 30-minute session of the stimulation were applied everyday in the morning for 12 weeks. The patients were evaluated at baseline, at week 6 and 12.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
20
transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) 2mA for 30 min; 20 sec of ramp-up and -down; left (anode) and right (cathode) Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) 2mA for 20 sec; left (anode) and right (cathode) Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)
Samsung Medical Center
Seoul, South Korea
RECRUITINGChange in cognitive function
Measured by ADAS-Cog 11
Time frame: from baseline to Week 6 and Week 12
Change in questionnaire
Measured by I-PAQ (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), Quality of Life Scale, KDSQ (Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire), and Prospective and retrospective memory questionnaire
Time frame: from baseline to Week 12
Change in cognitive function
Measured by Korean version of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (K-MoCA), Korean version of Mini Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE), and Clinical Dementia Rating - Sum of Boxes(CDR-SOB)
Time frame: from baseline to Week 6 and Week 12
Change in Korean version of Geriatric Depression Scale (K-GDS)
Time frame: from baseline to Week 6 and Week 12
Change in activities of daily living
Measured by Korean version of Bayer ADL (K-ADL) and S-IADL (Seoul-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living score)
Time frame: from baseline to Week 12
Change in behavioral symptoms
Measured by Neuropsychiatric Inventory
Time frame: from baseline to Week 6 and Week 12
Change in Clinician's Interview-Based Impression of Change Plus (CIBIC plus)
Time frame: from baseline to Week 12
Change in tDCS feedback
Measured by tDCS feedback questionnaire
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Time frame: Week 2, 4, 6 and 12