Could zapping the brain help people with a rare form of Alzheimer's see better?
NCT ID NCT07191327
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called HD-tDCS can improve visual and thinking abilities in people with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA), a rare condition often linked to Alzheimer's. Fifty participants will receive either real or sham stimulation over 4 days, with an optional long-term phase. The goal is to see if personalized targeting of brain networks can ease symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to ease visual and cognitive symptoms in posterior cortical atrophy.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early, small trial (50 people) testing only short-term effects. The sham group and optional open-label phase mean results may be uncertain.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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50 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis or symptoms consistent with PCA * Fluent in English * HD-tDCS compatible * Stable on relevant medications for at least approximately 4 weeks prior to study enrollment * If completing any additional, optional, long-term study visits in a remote location (i.e., not our office), a study partner is required in order to administer HD-tDCS. Those choosing to return to our office may have, but are not required to have, a study partner. Exclusion Criteria: * Other relevant neurological disease (e.g., epilepsy) or injuries (e.g., large vessel stroke, moderate-severe traumatic brain injury) viewed as primary to deficits since these could interfere with etiologic considerations and confound study results * Active, relevant psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) since the symptoms of these conditions may confound study participation. * A recent (e.g., within the past 2 years) significant history of, or current, alcohol or drug abuse/dependence. Remote history of abuse/dependence is not exclusionary as long as it is not considered to be the primary etiology for visuospatial deficits. * Women that are lactating/breastfeeding, pregnant, or may potentially be pregnant will be excluded from the study.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Michigan
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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