Gamma Induction for Alzheimer's Disease

Completed · Phase 1/Phase 2 · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Alzheimer Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment

In brief

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque buildup and phosphorylated tau (p-tau) in the brain, as well as widespread neurodegeneration. Amyloid-β and tau are proteins that build up in the brain that may contribute to memory problems. The evidence suggests that both amyloid and tau play a critical role in AD and interventions that reliably and safely decrease the intracerebral burden of amyloid or tau could potentially be of marked clinical importance. Currently, therapeutic options are very limited and while there are pharmacologic interventions that transiently improve cognitive function, there are no treatments that alter disease progression. The purpose of this study is to see if multiple daily sessions of non-invasive brain stimulation can affect brain activity to decrease the amount of amyloid and tau in people with AD as compared to Sham (placebo) stimulation. The type of brain stimulation that will be used is called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). This study will investigate different doses of tACS (2-4 weeks) and assess safety. The hope is that tACS will decrease the amount of amyloid and tau and improve memory and thinking in people with AD.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT03880240
Run by: Massachusetts General Hospital
People needed: 17
Starts: 2019-08-05
Expected to finish: 2024-11-30
Last updated by the study team: 2026-03-11

Who can join

Age: 45 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Clinical Diagnosis of early to moderate AD*
Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) ≥ 18
Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) ≥ 0.5
Demonstration or history of memory impairments.
Confirmation of diagnosis will be made by the study MD based on a holistic consideration of the participant's cognitive evaluation and history.
Amyloid positive PET imaging
At least 45 years old
On a stable dose of medications for memory loss including cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine or memantine) as defined as 6 consecutive weeks of treatment at an unchanging dose
Minimum of completed 8th grade education
No history of intellectual disability

You may not qualify if…

Current history of poorly controlled migraines including chronic medication for migraine prevention
Current or past history of any neurological disorder other than dementia, such as epilepsy, stroke (cortical stroke), progressive neurologic disease (e.g. multiple sclerosis) or intracranial brain lesions; and history of previous neurosurgery or head trauma that resulted in residual neurologic impairment.
Non-cortical disease such as confluence white matter changes (including lacunar infarcts < 1cm) and asymptomatic, subacute, cerebellar infarcts may be included upon review of a medically responsible neurologist.
Past or current history of major depression, bipolar disorder or psychotic disorders, or any other major psychiatric condition.
Contraindication for undergoing MRI or receiving TMS or tACS,
>50 mSv of radiation exposure for research within the past year (PET imaging exclusion)
History of fainting spells of unknown or undetermined etiology that might constitute seizures.
History of seizures, diagnosis of epilepsy, history of abnormal (epileptiform) EEG or immediate (1st degree relative) family history of epilepsy; with the exception of a single seizure of benign etiology (e.g. febrile seizure) in the judgment of the investigator.
Chronic (particularly) uncontrolled medical conditions that may cause a medical emergency in case of a provoked seizure (cardiac malformation, cardiac dysrhythmia, asthma, etc.).
Metal implants (excluding dental fillings) or devices such as pacemaker, medication pump, nerve stimulator, TENS unit, ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, cochlear implant, unless cleared by the study MD.
Substance abuse or dependence within the past six months.
Medications will be reviewed by the responsible MD and a decision about inclusion will be made based on the following: The patient's past medical history, drug dose, history of recent medication changes or duration of treatment, and combination of CNS active drugs.
All female participants that are pre-menopausal will be required to have a pregnancy test; any participant who is pregnant or breastfeeding will not be enrolled in the study.
Subjects who, in the investigator's opinion, might not be suitable for the study
A hair style or head dress that prevents electrode contact with the scalp or would interfere with the stimulation (for example: thick braids, hair weave, afro, wig)

Where it is running

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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