Brain Wave Informed Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Improving Neural Networks of Working Memory in Dementia: a Proof-of-concept Study

Sponsor
McMaster University
Study ID
NCT07673770
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Alzheimer s Disease
  • Dementia

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
55 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • EEG-triggered TMS — DEVICE
    This intervention involves delivering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) during working memory maintence timed to a specific electroencephalography (EEG) phase from the temporal cortex. The intervention is attempting to facilitate improved communication between the dlPFC and temporal cortex to improve working memory in people living with dementia.

Study Details

Working memory helps us hold information for a short time so one can think and make decisions. It keeps thoughts on track. As one gets older, working memory gets weaker. In people with dementia, it gets much worse, making it harder to talk with others, follow directions, or remember things like shopping lists. This may happen because brain waves that support working memory fall out of sync. Researchers can see these brain waves using a test called EEG. In this study, the investigators will try to get these brain waves back in sync using a safe, non-invasive form of brain stimulation called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and will time it to each person's brain waves to make it more effective. The goal is to improve working memory in people with dementia. If successful, dementia patients may be able to be more independent taking pressure off their families.

Key Dates

First listed
Jun 29, 2026
Start date
Jul 7, 2026
Status verified
Jul 2026
Primary completion
Apr 1, 2028
Completion
Aug 1, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
30 participants (estimated)
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Intervention: EEG-triggered TMS
    The electroencephalography (EEG) triggered transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) arm involves receiving TMS timed to particular phases of EEG involved in working memory. TMS involves the delivery of brief current to the part of the brain that is involved in working memory. EEG involves placing 32 electrodes on the surface of then head and reading the brain's waves in real-time. TMS will be delivered to the part of the brain involved in working memory timed to EEG recorded brain waves

Primary Outcome Measure

Forward digit span [ Time Frame: Immediately before, immediately after the 2 week intervention, 1 month and 4 months after the intervention period. ]

Central Contacts

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