This is a study by CAMH, the leading mental health research hospital in Canada. Learn more about what's involved in participating in a study at CAMH Research Connect.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia, affecting millions of people worldwide. Roughly 80% of patients with AD experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, including agitation, during the course of their illness. Among these symptoms, agitation is the most burdensome for patients, families, caregivers and the health care system. The mechanisms of agitation are poorly understood and the current interventions are only modestly effective.
Our research is assessing the mechanisms and treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g. agitation) in AD with the use of non-invasive brain stimulation approaches. This includes applying magnetic stimulation (TMS) to the surface of the head, combined with electroencephalography (EEG). We hope that the information will help us advance our understanding of AD and evaluate if a novel brain stimulation approach, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), is effective to treat agitation in dementia.
We are looking for participants who are:
- 50 years of age or older
- Individuals with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease
- With or without neuropsychiatric symptoms
- Healthy volunteers
Participation will involve baseline assessments (to assess your memory and mood), one MRI scan and one session of TMS-EEG. AD participants with neuropsychiatric symptoms will continue with the study intervention (tDCS) for 30 minutes daily for 2 weeks (Monday – Friday) and two follow-up visits. Participation in this study will take place at our downtown Toronto location.
You can also find our study details in our CAMH study listing.
To learn more or ask about joining our study, call us at 416-583-1350 or email tTED@camh.ca
CAMH REB # 093/2018
