Zapping the brain to calm dementia agitation
NCT ID NCT03846492
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study explores how non-invasive brain stimulation can help understand and treat agitation in people with Alzheimer's and mixed dementia. Researchers will use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroencephalography (EEG) to study brain activity, and test whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce agitation. The study involves 90 participants, including those with and without agitation, plus healthy volunteers.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a safe, non-drug treatment for agitation in dementia, improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not a proven treatment. The sample is small (90 people), and results may not apply to all dementia patients.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1H4, Canada
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