Cognitive Training With and Without tDCS to Improve Cognition in HIV

Nova Southeastern University (NSU)

Status: Terminated

Conditions: Mild Neurocognitive Disorder; HIV

Treatments: Device: Sham transcranial direct current stimulation; Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation; Procedure: Cognitive training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02647645

1203142F

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of this study is to develop pilot data on the potential efficacy of computer-based cognitive training or the combination of computer-based cognitive training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognitive function in persons with HIV-related mild neurocognitive disorder (MND).

Full description

The purpose of this study is to develop pilot data on the potential efficacy of computer-based cognitive training or the combination of computer-based cognitive training with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in improving cognitive function in persons with HIV-related mild neurocognitive disorder (MND). tDCS is a noninvasive brain stimulation technique in which a small direct current (1-2 mA) is applied to the scalp during a cognitive or motor activity, inducing a very small current that affects specific neural circuits related to the site at which electrodes are placed. tDCS has been judged safe and has shown significant treatment effects in studies with other populations, but has not been extensively studied in individuals with HIV infection. tDCS has been shown to facilitate learning in a number of studies, suggesting that it may improve or enhance learning in those with cognitive problems. As HIV infection is associated with decrements in a number of cognitive skills, including working memory, executive functions, and psychomotor speed that are related to individuals' functional status and medication adherence, the demonstration of a technique to enhance the effects of cognitive training in this population would have substantial clinical benefits as well as scientific value.

Enrollment: 21 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 18 years of age or older
• Fluent in English
• Meets Frascati criteria for mild neurocognitive disorder

Exclusion criteria

• Left handed
• Presence of dementia
• Use of specific psychotropic medications including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sleep-promoting medications

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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21 participants in 2 patient groups

Cognitive Training

Active Comparator group

Description:

Cognitive training Sham tDCS

Treatment:

Procedure: Cognitive training

Device: Sham transcranial direct current stimulation

Cognitive Training with tDCS

Experimental group

Description:

Cognitive training Active tDCS

Treatment:

Procedure: Cognitive training

Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation