Direct Current Brain Polarization in Frontotemporal Dementia
Data Collection
Aphasia+17
+ Mental Disorders
+ Brain Diseases
Treatment Study
Summary
Study start date: February 1, 2004
Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.Introduction: In this study, we will use anodal direct current (DC) polarization at 2 mA to treat patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Currently, there is no effective treatment for these patients. Previously, in healthy volunteers, we observed that DC polarization of the left prefrontal area for 20 min safely increases verbal fluency, cognitive processing speed (working memory and attention) and motor reaction speed. Both of these functions are severely impaired in FTD. Objective: We wish to see whether anodal DC polarization of the left prefrontal cortex in FTD patients leads to improvement in verbal fluency and working memory. Design: In this pilot study, we propose to treat six FTD patients for 40 min with anodal and sham DC polarization in a single-blind, crossover design. Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures will be verbal fluency and working memory. If anodal DC polarization produces clinically relevant improvements in these patients this will provide the impetus for a larger trial.
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.6 patients to be enrolled
Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.Treatment Study
Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Any sex
Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.Healthy volunteers not allowed
If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.Conditions
Pathology
Criteria
INCLUSION CRITERIA: -Six patients referred to the Cognitive Neuroscience Section, NINDS, with a clinical diagnosis of FTD confirmed here, will be selected to participate in the study. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Greater than 75 years of age. * Presence of metal in the head other than dental hardware. * Broken skin in the area of the stimulating electrodes. * Any behavioral disorder that makes testing impossible. * Children are excluded, as FTD is not a childhood illness.
Study Centers
These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.This study has 1 location
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Bethesda, United StatesSee the location