Tests high-dose brain stimulation for depression in older adults
Tests high-intensity electrical brain stimulation in adults aged 60 and older with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: tDCS for Late-Life Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Dallas, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 1/2
Where in United States
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallas, 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
- Andre Russowsky Brunoni
- Trial code
- NCT07657234
- Record updated
- 25 September 2026
- Original description
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).Read full original descriptionShow less
High-Dose Spaced Bilateral tDCS for Late-Life Depression: Open-Label Pilot Study
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.
Inclusion: 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 Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); score of 16 or higher on the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomology-Clinician Rated (QIDS-C) at screening; stable antidepressant regimen for at least four weeks prior to enrollment, if applicable; willingness and capacity to provide informed consent; Clinical Dementia Rating scale of 0 or 0.5; availability of an informant who has sufficient knowledge of the participant's daily functioning as ascertained by the study team.
Exclusion: contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including pacemaker, cochlear implants, ferromagnetic implants, or claustrophobia; neuromodulation treatment including electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), tDCS, or vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) within the past six months; concurrent use of medications that substantially lower seizure threshold; contraindications to tDCS including metallic cranial implants, skin conditions at electrode sites (eczema, open wounds, burns, lesions), or history of adverse reaction to tDCS; depressive disorder due to a medical condition; history of seizures or epilepsy; bipolar disorder; psychotic disorders; severe personality disorder; active substance use disorder within the past six months or history of substance induced mood or psychotic disorder; a clinically established diagnosis of dementia as reported in the participant's health record or scoring 1 or above on CDR; Participants meeting any of the following criteria will be excluded:; psychotic depression; active suicidal ideation with plan or intent requiring a higher level of care; pregnancy; medically unstable in the clinical opinion of the principal investigators.