Actively Recruiting
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Agitation in Dementia (AD)
Led by Brent Forester · Updated on 2026-04-28
50
Participants Needed
5
Research Sites
278 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
Brent Forester
Lead Sponsor
M
Mayo Clinic
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study will explore the effect of ECT treatments plus usual care (ECT+UC) in reducing severe agitation in patients with moderate to severe dementia including Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The study will also determine the tolerability/safety outcomes of ECT+UC.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) for Agitation in Dementia (AD)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of dementia subtypes including Alzheimer's, Vascular, Frontotemporal, or Dementia with Lewy Bodies
- Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) score of 15 or less
- Severe agitation with a Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI) score of 5 or more on at least one item or 4 on two items indicating aggression or physical nonaggression with dangerous behaviors
- At least one failed medication treatment for behavioral symptoms
- Medically stable for safe ECT administration as verified by physical exam, lab tests, and brain imaging if needed
- Ability to understand English
- Authorized legal representative able and willing to provide informed consent
- Age 40 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Current diagnosis of delirium
- Vascular dementia due to stroke with abrupt onset and step-wise decline, confirmed by history, MRI within past 12 months, and physical/neurological exam
- Lifetime or current diagnosis of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, or Schizoaffective Disorder
- Active substance use disorder within the past 6 months
- ECT or other neurostimulation therapies (e.g., TMS or vagal nerve stimulation) received within the past 3 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 5 locations
1
Emory Healthcare
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30308
Actively Recruiting
2
McLean Hospital
Belmont, Massachusetts, United States, 02478
Actively Recruiting
3
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States, 49548
Actively Recruiting
4
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States, 55905
Actively Recruiting
5
Northwell Health
Glen Oaks, New York, United States, 11004
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jefferson Mattingly, BA
CONTACT
S
Sarah Howie, BS
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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