iTBS rTMS in Mild Cognitive Impairment

Overview

About this study

To test the feasibility of conducting a 10-day Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation (iTBS) repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) protocol twice using a cross-over design in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), pilot test the study protocol to assess study design, and collect pilot data on the effect of stimulations over 3 different brain regions (left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), lateral parietal cortex (LPC), vertex (control)) on working memory, new-learning and executive function in MCI. Neuropsychological and sleep measures, functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), high density EEG and questionnaires will be performed at 5 timepoints – (i) baseline, (ii) post-treatment after first period of 10 daily iTBS rTMS sessions, (iii) post-washout period of 4 weeks, (iv) post-treatment after cross-over to second period of 10 daily iTBS rTMS sessions, and (v) 4 weeks follow-up post-treatment.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Age range 55-90 years.
  • Must speak English fluently.
  • Diagnosis of MCI as defined by:
    • Clinical diagnosis by a neurologist;
    • Neuropsychological testing support of MCI;
    • Meet criteria for MCI (53):
      • Subjective cognitive decline reported by participant and/or an informant;
      • Objective impairment in one or more cognitive domains for age;
      • Essentially preserved general cognitive function;
      • Largely intact functional activities;
      • Does not meet criteria for dementia as judged by a clinician.
  • Eligible for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) based on safety criteria.
  • Clinical Dementia Rating = 0.5.
  • Geriatric Depression Scale score less than 6.
  • Medically stable and in good general health.
  • Not pregnant, lactating, or of childbearing potential.
  • Stable medication regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to baseline visit.
  • Adequate visual and auditory abilities to complete neuropsychological testing.
  • Ability to provide informed consent.
  • Have a care partner who is available to accompany the participant to study visits for the duration of the protocol.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Inability to communicate in the English language.
  • Meet criteria for dementia.
  • Contraindications to TMS or MRI, including patients who have:
    • conductive, ferromagnetic or other magnetic-sensitive metals implanted in their head or within 30 cm of the treatment coil (e.g., cochlear implants, implanted electrodes/stimulators, aneurysm clips or coils, stents, bullet fragments or jewelry);
    • active or inactive implants, including deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, vagus nerve stimulators or implanted device leads.
  • Any true positive findings on the TMS safety screening form.
  • Prior exposure to TMS, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or any neurostimulation within the past 12 months.
  • History of epilepsy or seizures.
  • Medical conditions or use of medications that increase risk of seizures:
    • History of traumatic brain injury;
    • History of intracranial mass or lesion;
    • History of stroke, including hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke.
  • Psychiatric disorders:
    • Primary psychotic disorder (schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder), any history;
    • Primary mood disorder (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder) within the past 12 months
    • Substance use disorder (except caffeine and nicotine) within the past 12 months.
  • Active symptoms of depression, anxiety, mania, psychosis, or substance use (except caffeine and nicotine) within the past year:
    • Active symptoms of depression will be identified based on geriatric depression scale ≥ 6;
    • Other active symptoms of psychiatric conditions to be determined by study investigators.
  • Sleep disorders that are considered clinically significant and not sufficiently treated by the investigative team, including untreated obstructive sleep apnea, untreated/ suboptimally treated REM sleep behavior disorder, untreated/ suboptimally treated restless legs syndrome.
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy.
  • Participation in another concurrent interventional clinical trial.
  • Any unstable medical condition.
  • Inability to provide informed consent.
  • Inability to adhere to the protocol.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 12/27/23. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Maria Lapid, M.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Department of Medicine (DOM) Research Hub

(507) 266-1944

DOMRESEARCHHUB@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available