Abstract
BackgroundThe possible effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognitive function is clear from studies involving pre-dementia stage mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, the application of tDCS in actual clinical practice entails repeated hospital visits almost every day for treatment. The objective of this study is to confirm the possibility of self-application of tDCS at home by elderly patients with declined cognitive function and the significant clinical effect of tDCS administered at home.Methods/designThis study will be conducted in 20 elderly people aged 60 to 80 years with complaints of subjective memory impairment while maintaining general functions with limited activities of daily living. This study involves a cross-over design that will include 2-week active or sham stimulation of both dorsolateral prefrontal cortexes (left, anode; right, cathode) randomly with a 2-week wash-out phase. Changes in cognitive function will be evaluated using visual recognition tasks and neuropsychological tests. In this study, tDCS will be carried out by each patient at his/her home and its safety and suitability will be evaluated.DiscussionIn this study, patients will apply a portable tDCS, developed for home use, for more than 2 weeks. Such studies can contribute to the use of tDCS as a realistic therapy. In addition, the utility of home-based tDCS will be confirmed by application of tDCS at home by the elderly with declined cognitive function. Furthermore, confirmation of tDCS as a significant therapeutic method can facilitate treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia at an early stage, including MCI.Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRIS), KCT0002721. Registered on 9 March 2018.
Highlights
The possible effect of transcranial direct current stimulation in improving cognitive function is clear from studies involving pre-dementia stage mild cognitive impairment (MCI)
In this study, patients will apply a portable transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), developed for home use, for more than 2 weeks. Such studies can contribute to the use of tDCS as a realistic therapy
The utility of home-based tDCS will be confirmed by application of tDCS at home by the elderly with declined cognitive function
Summary
The possible effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognitive function is clear from studies involving pre-dementia stage mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The objective of this study is to confirm the possibility of self-application of tDCS at home by elderly patients with declined cognitive function and the significant clinical effect of tDCS administered at home. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) refers to declined cognitive function below normal range while maintaining successful independent daily living [1]. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a therapeutic modality indicated for declined cognitive function, including MCI. As control over brain activity affects brain functions such as behavior, emotion, and information processing, clinical application of tDCS for depression, multiple sclerosis, and other central nervous system disorders is under investigation by several clinical groups [5,6,7]
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