tDCS for Late-Life Depression
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: High-intensity (6 mA) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS).
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Late Life Depression (LLD). Basic parameters: from 60 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- United States
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
High-Dose Spaced Bilateral tDCS for Late-Life Depression: Open-Label Pilot Study
Overview
The purpose of this research study is to determine the effectiveness of Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) therapy in the treatment of participants with Late-life depression (LLD). The study will evaluate feasibility, safety, and tolerability of high-dose (6mA) bilateral tDCS delivered as three daily sessions, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks in older adults (60 y/o and older) with late-life depression.
Interventions
- Device High-intensity (6 mA) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
High-intensity (6 mA), spaced (three daily sessions, 3 times a week, for 3 weeks) transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in older adults (60 y/o and over) with Late-Life Depression
Primary outcome measures
- Completion Rate [Time frame: 6 weeks]
- Target dose achievement [Time frame: 6 weeks]
- Session completion [Time frame: 6 weeks]
- Adverse event profile [Time frame: 6 weeks]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Target engagement [Time frame: 6 weeks]
- Clinical - HDRS-17 [Time frame: 6 weeks]
- Correlation of Stimulation Dose With Change in HDRS 17 Scores [Time frame: 6 weeks]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Participants must meet all of the following criteria:
- age 60 years or older;
- diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), confirmed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI);
- score of 17 or higher on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) at screening;
- stable antidepressant regimen for at least four weeks prior to enrollment, if applicable;
- capacity to provide informed consent;
- Clinical Dementia Rating scale of 0 or 0.5.
Exclusion criteria
Participants meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded:
- contraindications to tDCS including metallic cranial implants, skin conditions at electrode sites (eczema, open wounds, burns, lesions), or history of adverse reaction to tDCS;
- contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including pacemaker, cochlear implants, ferromagnetic implants, or claustrophobia;
- history of seizures or epilepsy;
- bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or severe personality disorder;
- dementia or MoCA score below 17;
- substance use disorder within the past six months;
- neuromodulation treatment including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), tDCS, or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) within the past six months;
- active suicidal ideation with plan or intent requiring a higher level of care;
- concurrent use of medications that substantially lower seizure threshold;
- pregnancy.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- N/A
- Model
- Single group
- Masking
- Open label
- Primary purpose
- Other
Study locations
United States · 1 center
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07657234 · STU20260143