Tests brain stimulation with cognitive training after mild stroke thinking problems
Tests brain stimulation plus computer training in adults with minor stroke and mild thinking problems.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: TDCS to Improve Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment
Key facts
- Where
- Baltimore, United StatesSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 100 years old?
Source: NCT05195398, who can take part
Where in United States
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical CenterBaltimore, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Johns Hopkins University
- Trial code
- NCT05195398
- Record updated
- 10 August 2026
- Original description
The investigators will conduct a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial of approximately 60 patients with minor stroke and post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (psMCI). Participants will be individually randomized on enrollment using a random number generator to treatment with anodal tDCS + computerized cognitive treatment (CCT) versus sham + CCT (approximately 30 patients in each arm). Clinical evaluation including assessment of cognition will be performed pre- and post-intervention by individuals on the study team blinded to the participant's intervention. Participants will also undergo functional neuroimaging with magnetoencephalography (MEG) pre- and post-intervention (1, 3, and 6 months post-stroke to evaluate for initial and longer-term effects of treatment on cerebral activation patterns and functional connectivity). Neuroimaging and clinical outcomes will be assessed to determine the effect of tDCS versus sham + CCT on psMCI.Read full original descriptionShow less
TDCS to Improve Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment
The investigators will conduct a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial of approximately 60 patients with minor stroke and post-stroke mild cognitive impairment (psMCI). Participants will be individually randomized on enrollment using a random number generator to treatment with anodal tDCS + computerized cognitive treatment (CCT) versus sham + CCT (approximately 30 patients in each arm). Clinical evaluation including assessment of cognition will be performed pre- and post-intervention by individuals on the study team blinded to the participant's intervention. Participants will also undergo functional neuroimaging with magnetoencephalography (MEG) pre- and post-intervention (1, 3, and 6 months post-stroke to evaluate for initial and longer-term effects of treatment on cerebral activation patterns and functional connectivity). Neuroimaging and clinical outcomes will be assessed to determine the effect of tDCS versus sham + CCT on psMCI.
Inclusion: Adults (≥18 years) presenting with neurological symptoms due to acute ischemic stroke (symptom onset within the week prior to admission); Evidence on brain MRI of acute ischemic stroke (imaging negative strokes and TIAs will be excluded); Native English speaker (by self-report) prior to stroke; NIHSS <8 at initial follow-up visit (approximately 30 days post-stroke); mRS 0-2 at initial follow-up visit.
Exclusion: Prior report or history of dementia or undertreated psychiatric illness; Primary intracerebral hemorrhage- as evidenced by blood on head CT or MRI; Presence of any of the following that would lead to significant artifact on MEG: cardiac pacemaker, intracranial clips, metal implants or external clips within 10mm of the head, metal implants in the eyes (unlikely given that all patients will have an MRI and criteria are similar); Presence of proximal large vessel occlusion; Cortical exam findings including aphasia or neglect; Uncorrected hearing or visual loss; Inability to attend treatment or follow-up sessions; Inability to travel to College Park (UMD) for MEG recording sessions; Claustrophobia, obesity, and/or any other reason leading to difficulty staying in the MEG machine for up to 1 hour.