This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique-Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS)-in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. A total of 40 participants will be randomly assigned to either the TIS group or the sham stimulation group. The intervention will last for 2 weeks, with cognitive and safety assessments at baseline, post-treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
40
Device: The non-invasive brain stimulator NervioX is used to administer Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS). Stimulation Parameters: Frequencies: 2000 Hz and 2005 Hz (resulting in a 5 Hz theta rhythm envelope). Stimulation Intensity: 1.0-2.0 mA (peak current). Stimulation Target: Bilateral hippocampus Session Duration: 40 minutes per session. Treatment Course: 5 sessions per week, for 2 consecutive weeks, totaling 10 sessions.
Device: The same NervioX device is used. Stimulation Parameters: The device is programmed to deliver a real stimulation (1.0-2.0 mA) for the initial 30 seconds of the session to mimic the initial sensation experienced by the active group. Subsequently, the current is automatically reduced to 0 mA for the remainder of the 40-minute session. The device screen continues to display the stimulation as ongoing to maintain the blinding. The session frequency and total course (5 sessions/week for 2 weeks, 10 sessions total) are identical to the active intervention group.
Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
Changes in Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog 11) Score
The ADAS-Cog 11 is a rater-administered scale designed to assess the severity of cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. The total score ranges from 0 to 70, with a lower score indicating better cognitive performance. The change from baseline to the end of treatment will be analyzed.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks)
Change in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) Score
The MMSE is a brief 30-point questionnaire used to screen for cognitive impairment. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with a higher score indicating better cognitive function.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)
Change in Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Score
The MoCA is a widely used screening assessment for detecting mild cognitive impairment. The total score ranges from 0 to 30, with a higher score indicating better cognitive function.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)
Change in Clinical Dementia Rating - Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) Score
The CDR-SB is a numeric scale derived from the CDR global score, which provides a more detailed assessment of cognitive and functional performance across six domains. The total score ranges from 0 to 18, with a higher score indicating greater severity of dementia.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)
Change in Shape Trails Test (STT) - Part A Time
The STT-A measures visual attention and processing speed. The time in seconds to complete the task is recorded, with a shorter time indicating better performance. This is a continuous measure without a predefined minimum/maximum range.
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Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)
Change in Shape Trails Test (STT) - Part B Time
The STT-B measures executive function, including task-switching and cognitive flexibility. The time in seconds to complete the task is recorded, with a shorter time indicating better performance. This is a continuous measure without a predefined minimum/maximum range.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)
Change in Digit Span Test (DST) Score
The DST is a component of cognitive tests that assesses attention and working memory. It includes forward span (attention) and backward span (working memory). The forward span typically ranges from 0 to 16, and the backward span from 0 to 14, with a higher number of correct sequences indicating better function.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)
Incidence of Adverse Events (AEs) and Serious Adverse Events (SAEs)
The number and severity of all AEs and SAEs will be collected and monitored throughout the study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the intervention.
Time frame: From baseline through study completion (up to 16 weeks)
Change in Functional Connectivity measured by Resting-state Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI)
Changes in brain network connectivity (e.g., within the default mode network and hippocampal connectivity) will be assessed using rs-fMRI.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)
Change in Theta Band Power measured by Electroencephalography (EEG)
Changes in neural oscillatory activity will be assessed using high-density EEG.
Time frame: Baseline, End of treatment (2 weeks), Post-treatment follow-up (12 weeks)