dTMS for Subjective Cognitive Decline
Alzheimer Disease, Subjective Cognitive Decline
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Alzheimer Disease
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: have a family history of late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) as defined by having a first degree relative, living or deceased, with a probable or confirmed diagnosis of AD 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 are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications) have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS have an informant/study partner who is able to complete study questionnaires regarding the participant Exclusion Criteria: have a metal plate in their head, except in the mouth (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips) have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures have a cardiac pacemaker have an implanted medication pump have a central venous line have a significant heart condition have current depression or a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia other than AD have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months have a history of stroke or other brain lesions have a personal history of epilepsy have a family history of epilepsy are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain have significant hearing loss requiring use of hearing aids have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism have TMS contraindications have unstable medical condition(s) regularly use benzodiazepines or other hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization
Sites / Locations
- Rotman Research Institute at BaycrestRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Sham Comparator
20 sessions of dTMS and Cognitive Training
20 sessions of sham/control stimulation and Cognitive Training
Participants will receive dTMS followed by computerized cognitive training. dTMS: The motor threshold (MT) will be measured by delivering single stimulations to the motor cortex with gradually increased intensity. After defining the MT, the coil will be positioned anterior to the hot spot using the ruler on the participant's cap, and a dTMS session will be performed with the dosing of the stimulus intensity titrated slowly to approximately 120% of the motor threshold. On Day 1 of the treatment, stimulation will be delivered at an intensity ranging from 80% to 100% of the participant's MT depending on their initial tolerance to the stimulation. Stimulation intensity will then be slowly titrated by sequentially increasing the intensity by 10% over the remaining days of the first week until a maximum intensity of 120% of MT is achieved depending on the tolerability of the patient. Immediately following dTMS, participants will complete 20-30 minutes of cognitive training.
Participants will receive sham intervention followed by computerized cognitive training. The sham intervention consists of treatment with similar technical parameters which induce scalp sensations but do not penetrate into the brain. Immediately following dTMS, participants will complete 20-30 minutes of cognitive training.