Actively Recruiting
Led by University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli · Updated on 2026-04-22
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
Researchers are evaluating whether a combined approach using multifocal non-invasive brain stimulation and brain recording with cognitive training can help reduce cognitive and emotional symptoms in people with mild cognitive impairment and early dementia. The study aims to understand if this treatment affects cognition and depression symptoms, and how factors like education and cognitive reserve influence outcomes. It also investigates brain activity measures to identify who responds best to the treatment. Participants will receive two treatment cycles involving either real or placebo multifocal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left frontal and temporal brain areas, twice a week for two months each cycle. Along with the brain stimulation, all participants will undergo cognitive training involving exercises targeting memory, attention, and executive functions. The study uses a crossover design where each participant experiences both real and placebo stimulation cycles. During the trial, participants will complete detailed cognitive and mood assessments before treatment and after each cycle, including tests like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Geriatric Depression Scale. EEG brain recordings will monitor brain activity at specific sessions. Caregivers will provide information on daily living activities. The study measures changes in cognition, mood, and functional independence over an 8-week intervention period with regular evaluations.
CONDITIONS
A Multifocal tDCS-EEG Protocol for Improving Symptoms of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Early Dementia
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Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 weeks (two 4-week cycles)
Participants receive two cycles of multifocal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive stimulation therapy. Each cycle consists of 8 sessions of tDCS delivered twice a week over 4 weeks, followed by cognitive exercises targeting memory, attention, and executive functions.
Twice-weekly visits for each 4-week cycle, totaling 16 sessions
Duration - 1 week after treatment cycles
Participants undergo assessments to monitor cognitive and affective symptoms as well as brain activity after the treatment cycles.
Several assessments scheduled around weeks 0, 4, 5, and 8
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"
Caserta, Italy, Italy, 81100
Actively Recruiting
F
Francesco Panico, PhD
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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Laura Catalano, Laura Sagliano, Anna Visciglio...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40606130