Actively Recruiting
TACS to Engage Theta-Gamma Coupling and Enhance Working Memory in Patients With MCI (tACS-MCI)
Led by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · Updated on 2026-04-13
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
151 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
C
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Lead Sponsor
S
Soterix Medical
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study is looking at a new non-invasive brain stimulation methods called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to see if it can improve working memory and thinking processes in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). tACS is a low-risk, non-painful, low electrical current that circulates through the brain of awake participants and stimulates their brain cells. Participants must be 60 years of age and have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment. Participants will undergo treatment sessions that range from 1 to 1.5 hours at CAMH, 5 days a week, over a total of 2 weeks. In addition, participants will complete clinical and cognitive assessments and bloodwork at baseline and again after treatment.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
TACS to Engage Theta-Gamma Coupling and Enhance Working Memory in Patients With MCI (tACS-MCI)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 60 years or above
- Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment due to Alzheimer's disease using core clinical criteria by the National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer's Association
- Cognitive concern reported by patient, informant, or clinician indicating decline over time
- Not demented as determined by study investigator
- No vascular, traumatic, or medical causes of cognitive decline as determined by study investigator
- Evidence of longitudinal cognitive decline when feasible
- Objective evidence of single or multi-domain Mild Cognitive Impairment based on neuropsychological testing and consensus review
- Willingness to provide informed consent
- Ability to read and communicate in English, with corrected vision and hearing if needed
You will not qualify if you...
- Current use of acetylcholine esterase inhibitors or memantine
- Active symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder within the last 3 months
- Lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, intellectual disability, or psychotic disorder
- Active substance use disorder within the last 3 months
- Any DSM-5 diagnosis associated with prefrontal cortical dysfunction as determined by study investigator
- Current use of anticonvulsants, except stable dose gabapentin or pregabalin for chronic pain
- Current benzodiazepine use exceeding lorazepam 2 mg/day equivalent
- Contraindications to MRI or tACS such as cardiac pacemaker, acoustic device, or history of seizures
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M6J 1H4
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sanjeev Kumar, MD
CONTACT
D
Dewi Clark, MHSc
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here