About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
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).
Disqualifiers
Primary intracerebral hemorrhage- as evidenced by blood on head CT or MRI.
Presence of proximal large vessel occlusion.
Cortical exam findings including aphasia or neglect.
Prior report or history of dementia or undertreated psychiatric illness.
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Anodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (A-tDCS)
- Sham Intervention
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Johns Hopkins University
Lead sponsor
University of Maryland, College Park
Collaborator
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Collaborator