Actively Recruiting
Effect of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) on Cognition in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)
Led by Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest · Updated on 2025-10-27
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
6 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
R
Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
Lead Sponsor
B
Brainsway
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of combining deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) with cognitive training on memory, other cognitive abilities, and mood in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) who have a family history of Alzheimer's disease. This study is a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial aiming to explore the feasibility and preliminary effects of these treatments on cognitive function and brain activity measured by electroencephalography (EEG). Participants will undergo daily sessions of dTMS using the Brainsway H7-Coil targeting the anterior cingulate cortex, followed immediately by 20 to 30 minutes of computerized cognitive training with BrainHQ software. The dTMS intensity will be gradually increased over the first week to about 120% of the motor threshold, based on individual tolerance. The trial includes both active dTMS and sham stimulation groups, each followed by cognitive training, with treatment delivered over four consecutive weeks. During the 19-week study period, participants will attend scheduled treatment sessions and undergo assessments of memory, executive function, and mood using standardized neuropsychological tests and scales such as the Geriatric Depression Scale and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory. Brain activity changes will be monitored through EEG. Researchers will also look at treatment session attendance rates and safety. The total study duration includes baseline, treatment, and follow-up evaluations to measure the effects of the combined interventions.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
dTMS for Subjective Cognitive Decline
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have a family history of late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease with a first degree relative diagnosed
- 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 not expected to change medications during the study
- Have a satisfactory safety screening for TMS
- Have an informant or study partner able to complete study questionnaires regarding the participant
You will not qualify if you...
- Have a metal plate in the head except in the mouth (such as ear implants, brain stimulators, aneurysm clips)
- Have known or history of increased brain pressure increasing seizure risk
- Have a cardiac pacemaker
- Have an implanted medication pump
- Have a central venous line
- Have a significant heart condition
- Have current depression or history of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, OCD, PTSD, or dementia other than Alzheimer's disease
- Have history of substance abuse in last 6 months
- Have history of stroke or brain lesions
- Have personal or family history of epilepsy
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have history of abnormal brain MRI
- Have significant hearing loss requiring hearing aids
- Have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism
- Have contraindications for TMS
- Have unstable medical conditions
- Regularly use benzodiazepines or hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants receive daily sessions of deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) or sham stimulation followed by cognitive training using the BrainHQ software. Treatment is delivered over consecutive days targeting cognitive improvement.
20 treatment sessions (daily, in-person)
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants receive daily sessions of sham dTMS followed by cognitive training using the BrainHQ software. Treatment is delivered over consecutive days targeting cognitive improvement.
20 treatment sessions (daily, in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6A 2E1
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Amanda Rahmadian
L
Linda Mah
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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