Zapping brain fog: new study tests tDCS for Lyme-Related memory issues
NCT ID NCT06915324
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new way to treat brain fog in people with post-treatment Lyme disease. Participants will play computer-based thinking games at home while receiving either real or fake brain stimulation (tDCS) for 4 weeks. Researchers will check if the active stimulation improves processing speed and if the benefits last 8 weeks later. The study involves 110 adults who still have cognitive problems despite prior antibiotic treatment.
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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 110 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
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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18 to 70 years
- 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: * History of diagnosis of Lyme disease by a health care provider, meeting criteria for either definite or probable or possible LD * Willingness to provide documentation of prior LD testing and/or related medical records * Total prior antibiotic treatment for LD was at least 2 courses of antibiotic therapy * Have cognitive symptoms attributed to Lyme disease that have persisted or returned despite antibiotic therapy * Current cognitive symptoms interfere with function and/or cause distress * Have evidence of slowed processing speed on a screening measure * Participant is willing to be off of antibiotic treatment for tick-borne disease for at least 4 weeks prior to final determination of study eligibility and for the duration of the 12-week study. * Participant expresses willingness to not start new medications that might affect treatment outcome during the trial (unless medically necessary), and willingness to inform study staff regarding any changes in medication * Live in the US or Canada and comfortable speaking English * Age 18-70 * Stable and continuous access to internet service * Adequate home facilities (enough space, access to quiet and distraction free area) * Able to commit to the 12-week study period (4 weeks of training sessions and an 8-week post treatment visit) * Estimated intellectual ability \>= 85 Exclusion Criteria: \- Medical Illness: Any of the following: a. Unstable non-Lyme-related chronic medical illness over the last 12 months (e.g., cancer, acute myocardial infarction, labile hypertension) b. Any severe skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations (e.g. forehead) Neurologic: Any of the following: * History of traumatic brain injury with persistent post-concussive symptoms * History of seizure disorder or recent (\<5 years) seizure history * History of neurosurgery to the head * Chronic headaches or migraines of moderate to severe intensity within the last month * Post stroke deficits that may interfere with assessment * Any progressive neurodegenerative disorder or other neurological disorders that may interfere with assessment at discretion of the investigator. Psychiatric: Any of the following: * History of intellectual disability, or other developmental neurological condition associated with cognitive impairment * Current primary psychiatric disorder that would interfere with ability to participate * Current alcohol or other substance use disorder * Current suicide risk as assessed by the C-SSRS (any level) * History of suicidal behavior over the last year * History of a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, mania or bipolar disorder * Depression rating of moderate or severe at screening * Currently taking opiate-based medications, dissociative drugs (prescribed or illicit), or other medication considered likely to interfere with treatment outcome at the discretion of the investigator. The use of a stable dose of benzodiazepines, anticholinergic agents and non-narcotic pain medications is permitted. The use of an occasional dose of these medications is also permitted, but not within 48 hours of neurocognitive study assessments. * Participants whose current daily medication regimen has not been stable for a minimum of 4 weeks prior to final determination of study eligibility * Medical device implanted in the head (such as a Deep Brain Stimulator) or in the neck (such as a Vagus Nerve Stimulator), or metal implants in the head or neck * Inadequate visual or motor skills needed for regular computer use or to operate study equipment, or inability to provide informed consent * Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant * Lifestyle Considerations: Participants not willing to refrain from beginning, resuming or increasing non study cognitive training or cognitive enhancing supplements/medications or other therapies that might affect treatment outcome
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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
2 sites. 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
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Contacts and locations
Locations
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Columbia University Department of Psychiatry
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10032, United States
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University of California, San Francisco
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94110, United States
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