This study evaluates the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including depression and cognitive symptoms. Participants are randomized to receive active or sham tDCS for 30 minutes over 10 treatment sessions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
80
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a commonly used non-invasive form of brain stimulation for studying motor functions in health and disease \[36\]. It involves the attachment of surface electrodes to the scalp through which very small electric currents (1 or 2mA) are applied via a current regulated device. The currents do not produce any sensation. The applied current affects excitability of underlying neural tissue.
Johns Hopkins Hospital / Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Number of Participants Demonstrating improvements on Objective Rating Scales of Depression via structured interview
Primary outcome measure will be the number of participants who demonstrate remission of depressive symptoms OR improvement of 50% (i.e. response) on the Montgomery-Asberg Scale of Depression (MADRS)
Time frame: 1 months
Apathy Scores as measure by a self-report scale (the Apathy Scale)
The dimensional degree of change in Apathy symptoms as assessed via the Apathy Scale, a subjective self-report tool of apathetic symptoms
Time frame: 1 months
Subjective Depression Severity rated via self-report on depression inventory
Subjective severity of depression as measured via self-reported Beck Depression Inventory - II
Time frame: 1 months
Subjective reactive to pleasure (i.e. improvement of anhedonia) as rated via self-report
Monitoring degree of change of hedonic-tone scores via the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS)
Time frame: 1 month
Subjective improvement of Anxiety Symptoms via Rating Scale
The change in Parkinson Anxiety Scale (PAS) score per person and across sham v. experimental groups.
Time frame: 1 month
Performance on abbreviated cognitive battery
Objective improvement on measures of attention, verbal fluency, working memory and recall by various bedside cognitive tests
Time frame: 1 month
Improvement of Parkinsonian Motor Symptoms
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Number of participants between arms and individual improvement of Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part 3 (MDS-UPDRS Pt3) Score.
Time frame: 1 month