Effects of tDCS on Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline: Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

Enrolling by invitation · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Cognitive Dysfunction ( MMSE < 24 )

In brief

This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial evaluates the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using the Sooma Oy device on cognitive function in older adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). The study investigates changes in memory, executive function, attention, and global cognition after a structured intervention consisting of 22 intensive sessions and 8 maintenance sessions. Assessments occur at baseline, Week 4, Week 8, and Week 12.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07531888

Run by

Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo

People needed

20

Starts

2026-04-17

Expected to finish

2026-12-30

Last updated by the study team

2026-04-15

Who can join

Age: 60 and older, up to 75. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Right-handed (for MRI purposes)
• Age 60 to 75 years
• 6 years or more of schooling
• Proficiency in Spanish
• Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment established by clinical examination
• Adequate visual and auditory acuity to perform neuropsychological tests and undergo cognitive rehabilitation
• If receiving psychotropic medication, to have started it at least 12 weeks prior to the start of the study, remain at stable doses, or have discontinued it for at least 4 weeks
• Good general health without medical or psychiatric illnesses that would interfere with the study
• An informant capable of responding to clinimetric assessments throughout the study and willing to accompany the patient for at least 10 hours per week

You may not qualify if…

• 1. Any neurological disease other than Alzheimer's disease that raises suspicion of cognitive impairment, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, hydrocephalus, brain tumor, progressive supranuclear palsy, seizure disorder, subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis, or a history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness.
• Participants with a history of severe psychiatric disorders according to the DSM-5 (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chronic depression) or with psychotic features, agitation, or behavioral problems in the last three months that could lead to difficulties in complying with the protocol.
• History of psychoactive substance abuse and current alcohol consumption with a pattern of abuse or dependence in the last two years.
• Participants with abnormalities on a conventional electroencephalogram (paroxysmal phenomena identified by a neurophysiologist). 5. Participants with pacemakers, intracranial metallic objects or a history of brain surgery, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin or body.
• Participants with pacemakers, intracranial metallic objects or a history of brain surgery, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body.
• Participation in clinical studies with neuropsychological measures taken more than once a year.
• Having received prior treatment.

Where it is running

• Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo — Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

Trial information comes from ClinicalTrials.gov and is refreshed daily. TrialsForMe does not provide medical care and does not run the studies it lists.