dTMS for Subjective Cognitive Decline

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Alzheimer Disease, Subjective Cognitive Decline

In brief

Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) is a brain stimulation technique that involves generating a brief magnetic field in a coil that is placed on the scalp. The magnetic field passes through the skull and induces a weak electrical current in the brain that briefly activates neural circuits at the stimulation site. The Brainsway dTMS H7-Coil is able to target an area of the brain that has been shown in studies to be linked to greater resilience to cognitive decline. In this study, the investigators will combine dTMS with cognitive training in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and examine the effect of this treatment on memory, other cognitive abilities, and mood. In addition, the investigators will examine the combined effects of dTMS and cognitive training on brain activity as measured using electroencephalography (EEG). Approximately 30 older adults from ages 55 to 70 with SCD and a positive family history of Alzheimer's disease will be enrolled in this study.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT06095063

Run by

Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest

People needed

30

Starts

2023-11-15

Expected to finish

2026-11-15

Last updated by the study team

2025-10-27

Who can join

Age: 55 and older, up to 70. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• have a family history of late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) as defined by having a first degree relative, living or deceased, with a probable or confirmed diagnosis of AD
• have subjective memory decline and concern about memory changes
• score 26 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
• are willing to provide informed consent
• are able to follow the treatment schedule
• are stable on medications for 2 months and are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications)
• have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS
• have an informant/study partner who is able to complete study questionnaires regarding the participant

You may not qualify if…

• have a metal plate in their head, except in the mouth (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips)
• have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures
• have a cardiac pacemaker
• have an implanted medication pump
• have a central venous line
• have a significant heart condition
• have current depression or a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia other than AD
• have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months
• have a history of stroke or other brain lesions
• have a personal history of epilepsy
• have a family history of epilepsy
• are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman
• have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain
• have significant hearing loss requiring use of hearing aids
• have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism
• have TMS contraindications
• have unstable medical condition(s)
• regularly use benzodiazepines or other hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization

Where it is running

• Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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