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| Name | Class |
|---|---|
| Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency | FED |
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This study aims to implement an intervention based on multiple, individualized multifocal tACS stimulation sessions based on individual PET and MRI information in patients with amyloid-positive PET with the hope that this leads to microglia activation and decrease in cerebral amyloid and tau depositions in human patients with AD.
This study will leverage all this accumulated knowledge by implementing an intervention based on multiple, individualized multifocal tACS stimulation sessions based on individual PET and MRI information in patients with amyloid-positive PET with the hope that this leads to microglia activation and decrease in cerebral amyloid and tau depositions in human patients with AD.This would have immense translational impact, as gamma tACS is an intervention that is portable, does not require expensive hardware, can be widely applied to large numbers of patients with AD, as well as, given its favorable side effect profile, even to patients at earlier stages of the disease who have cerebral amyloid/tau without clinical symptoms.
The investigators aim to enroll 10 individuals with AD with evidence of increased cerebral amyloid burden on amyloid PET imaging. This would allow for a final sample size of 5-6 fully evaluable subjects. Each subject's participation in this study will consist of approximately 31-35 visits: 1 day for consent and screening procedures, 5-7 days of baseline procedures (this includes the PET scans), 20 tACS study visits, and 5-7 days of follow-up assessments. Subjects will undergo baseline cognitive assessment, structural and functional MRI characterization, PET imaging to assess amyloid burden, tau deposition and level of microglia activation, and resting-state EEG measurement. Additionally, subjects will undergo a TMS-EEG and a tACS-EEG recording session to assess brain plasticity levels and identify markers of response to stimulation. All subjects will subsequently undergo 20 sessions of gamma-frequency (40 Hz) tACS. At the end of the 20 sessions, subjects will then repeat the baseline assessments over 5-7 visits, including repeat PET imaging to assess for changes in amyloid burden, tau deposition, and microglia activation.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| tACS | Experimental | Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) tuned at the frequency of 40Hz (gamma frequency) will be applied for 1 hour in 20 sessions on consecutive weekdays. The tACS intervention (20 sessions) will be preceded and followed by amyloid, microglia and tau PET imaging as well as a clinical/cognitive evaluation. The assessment of the effect of stimulation on microglia activation, amyloid deposition and tau deposition will constitute a primary outcome measure. Assessment of adverse effects will be also evaluated as a secondary outcome. The effect of brain stimulation on brain connectivity will be assessed by EEG and MRI and cognitive function. |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) | Device | tACS will be applied at a frequency of 40Hz and targeting the area of maximal tracer uptake on amyloid PET imaging using an individualized multielectrode design to maximize the induced electrical current to the target region. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| PET Amyloid Burden | Changes in the amyloid load observed via PET imaging will be evaluated by comparing PET data acquired before and after the 20 tACS sessions. The metric used is standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), a measure of the amount of proteins in the brain identified at the PET exam. We will calculate the difference between pre and post tACS SUVR for the entire brain and report the average value (and standard deviation) for the entire group of patients. A negative value express a decrease in the amount of proteins in the brain post tACS intervention. | baseline and up to 12 weeks |
| PET Tau Deposition | Changes in the tau deposition observed via PET imaging will be evaluated by comparing PET data acquired before and after the 20 tACS sessions. The metric used is SUVR, a measure of the amount of proteins in the brain identified at the PET exam. We will calculate the difference between pre and post tACS SUVR (dSUVR) for the entire brain and report the average value (and standard deviation) for the entire group of patients. A negative value express a decrease in the amount of proteins in the brain post tACS intervention. | up to 12 weeks |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| PET Microglia Activation | Changes in the microglia activation observed via PET imaging will be evaluated by comparing PET data acquired before and after the 20 tACS sessions. The metric used is SUVR, a measure of the amount of proteins in the brain identified at the PET exam. We will calculate the difference between pre and post tACS SUVR (dSUVR) for the entire brain and report the average value (and standard deviation) for the entire group of patients. A negative value express a decrease in the amount of proteins in the brain post tACS intervention. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale -Cog Score | Change in Adas-Cog score will be reported, to document a potential clinical benefit of tACS. The scale ranges from 0-70 with higher score indicating greater cognitive impairment. | up to 12 weeks |
Inclusion Criteria:
Clinical Diagnosis of mild to moderate AD*
Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) > 18
Mild AD ≥ 21
Moderate AD 18-20
Demonstration or history of memory impairments.
* Confirmation of diagnosis will be made by the study MD based on a holistic consideration of the participant's cognitive evaluation and history.
Amyloid positive PET imaging
At least 45 years old
On a stable dose of medications for memory loss including cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g. donepezil, rivastigmine or memantine) as defined as 6 consecutive weeks of treatment at an unchanging dose
Minimum of completed 8th grade education
IQ> 85 as determined by the WTAR and no history of intellectual disability
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Emiliano Santarnecchi, PhD | Massachusetts General Hospital | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center | Boston | Massachusetts | 02215 | United States |
| PubMed Identifier | Type | Citation | Retractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34930421 | Derived | Sprugnoli G, Munsch F, Cappon D, Paciorek R, Macone J, Connor A, El Fakhri G, Salvador R, Ruffini G, Donohoe K, Shafi MM, Press D, Alsop DC, Pascual Leone A, Santarnecchi E. Impact of multisession 40Hz tACS on hippocampal perfusion in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2021 Dec 20;13(1):203. doi: 10.1186/s13195-021-00922-4. |
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5 participants were enrolled in the study. 4 out of 5 participants completed the study. 1 study subject did not complete the follow-up amyloid and tau PET scans.
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| ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| FG000 | tACS | Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) tuned at the frequency of 40Hz (gamma frequency) will be applied for 1 hour in 20 sessions on consecutive weekdays. The tACS intervention (20 sessions) will be preceded and followed by amyloid, microglia and tau PET imaging as well as a clinical/cognitive evaluation. The assessment of the effect of stimulation on microglia activation, amyloid deposition and tau deposition will constitute a primary outcome measure. Assessment of adverse effects will be also evaluated as a secondary outcome. The effect of brain stimulation on brain connectivity will be assessed by EEG and MRI and cognitive function. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS): tACS will be applied at a frequency of 40Hz and targeting the area of maximal tracer uptake on amyloid PET imaging using an individualized multielectrode design to maximize the induced electrical current to the target region. |
| Title | Milestones | Reasons Not Completed | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Study |
|
|
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| ID | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| BG000 | tACS | Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) tuned at the frequency of 40Hz (gamma frequency) will be applied for 1 hour in 20 sessions on consecutive weekdays. The tACS intervention (20 sessions) will be preceded and followed by amyloid, microglia and tau PET imaging as well as a clinical/cognitive evaluation. The assessment of the effect of stimulation on microglia activation, amyloid deposition and tau deposition will constitute a primary outcome measure. Assessment of adverse effects will be also evaluated as a secondary outcome. The effect of brain stimulation on brain connectivity will be assessed by EEG and MRI and cognitive function. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS): tACS will be applied at a frequency of 40Hz and targeting the area of maximal tracer uptake on amyloid PET imaging using an individualized multielectrode design to maximize the induced electrical current to the target region. |
| Units | Counts |
|---|---|
| Participants |
|
| Title | Description | Population Description | Parameter Type | Dispersion Type | Unit of Measure | Calculate Percentage | Denominator Units Selected | Denominators | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Customized | Count of Participants |
| Type | Title | Description | Population Description | Reporting Status | Anticipated Posting Date | Parameter Type | Dispersion Type | Unit of Measure | Calculate Percentage | Time Frame | Units Analyzed | Denominator Units Selected | Arm/Group Information | Denominators | Classes | Analyses | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary | PET Amyloid Burden | Changes in the amyloid load observed via PET imaging will be evaluated by comparing PET data acquired before and after the 20 tACS sessions. The metric used is standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), a measure of the amount of proteins in the brain identified at the PET exam. We will calculate the difference between pre and post tACS SUVR for the entire brain and report the average value (and standard deviation) for the entire group of patients. A negative value express a decrease in the amount of proteins in the brain post tACS intervention. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | SUVR | baseline and up to 12 weeks |
|
1 year
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| ID | Title | Description | Deaths (Affected) | Deaths (At Risk) | Serious Events (Affected) | Serious Events (At Risk) | Other Events (Affected) | Other Events (At Risk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EG000 | tACS | Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) tuned at the frequency of 40Hz (gamma frequency) will be applied for 1 hour in 20 sessions on consecutive weekdays. The tACS intervention (20 sessions) will be preceded and followed by amyloid, microglia and tau PET imaging as well as a clinical/cognitive evaluation. The assessment of the effect of stimulation on microglia activation, amyloid deposition and tau deposition will constitute a primary outcome measure. Assessment of adverse effects will be also evaluated as a secondary outcome. The effect of brain stimulation on brain connectivity will be assessed by EEG and MRI and cognitive function. Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS): tACS will be applied at a frequency of 40Hz and targeting the area of maximal tracer uptake on amyloid PET imaging using an individualized multielectrode design to maximize the induced electrical current to the target region. |
| Term | Organ System | Source Vocabulary | Assessment Type | Notes | Statistical Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sensation Under Electrodes | General disorders | Systematic Assessment |
| Term | Organ System | Source Vocabulary | Assessment Type | Notes | Statistical Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Headache | General disorders | Systematic Assessment |
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| Title | Organization | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emiliano Santarnecchi | Massachusetts General Hospital | 617-667-0326 | esantarnecchi@mgh.harvard.edu |
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| Type | Includes Protocol | Includes SAP | Includes ICF | Document Label | Document Date | Document Uploaded Date | Document File Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prot_SAP | Yes | Yes | No | Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan | Dec 10, 2018 | May 5, 2020 | Prot_SAP_000.pdf |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D000544 | Alzheimer Disease |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D003704 | Dementia |
| D001927 | Brain Diseases |
| D002493 | Central Nervous System Diseases |
| D009422 | Nervous System Diseases |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D065908 | Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D004599 | Electric Stimulation Therapy |
| D013812 | Therapeutics |
| D003295 | Convulsive Therapy |
| D013000 | Psychiatric Somatic Therapies |
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|
|
| up to 12 weeks |
| Changes in Brain Perfusion as Measured by Arterial Spin Labeling | Patients underwent a comprehensive MRI exam before and after the tACS intervention, including measures of brain perfusion via Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) sequences. The outcome measure represent the average change in perfusion (i.e. blood flow) recorded in regions targeted by tACS. Since Alzheimer's Disease is also characterized by a decrease of brain metabolism, an increased of blood flow after treatment would constitute a very promising sign of tACS efficacy in reducing Alzheimer's pathology in the brain. We will report the change in blood flow (mean, standard deviation) after tACS treatment. | 6 weeks (pre-post tACS intervention) |
| Participants |
|
| Sex: Female, Male | Count of Participants | Participants |
|
| Ethnicity (NIH/OMB) | Count of Participants | Participants |
|
| Race (NIH/OMB) | Count of Participants | Participants |
|
| Region of Enrollment | Number | participants |
|
|
|
| Primary | PET Tau Deposition | Changes in the tau deposition observed via PET imaging will be evaluated by comparing PET data acquired before and after the 20 tACS sessions. The metric used is SUVR, a measure of the amount of proteins in the brain identified at the PET exam. We will calculate the difference between pre and post tACS SUVR (dSUVR) for the entire brain and report the average value (and standard deviation) for the entire group of patients. A negative value express a decrease in the amount of proteins in the brain post tACS intervention. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | SUVR | up to 12 weeks |
|
|
|
| Secondary | PET Microglia Activation | Changes in the microglia activation observed via PET imaging will be evaluated by comparing PET data acquired before and after the 20 tACS sessions. The metric used is SUVR, a measure of the amount of proteins in the brain identified at the PET exam. We will calculate the difference between pre and post tACS SUVR (dSUVR) for the entire brain and report the average value (and standard deviation) for the entire group of patients. A negative value express a decrease in the amount of proteins in the brain post tACS intervention. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | SUVR | up to 12 weeks |
|
|
|
| Secondary | Changes in Brain Perfusion as Measured by Arterial Spin Labeling | Patients underwent a comprehensive MRI exam before and after the tACS intervention, including measures of brain perfusion via Arterial Spin Labeling (ASL) sequences. The outcome measure represent the average change in perfusion (i.e. blood flow) recorded in regions targeted by tACS. Since Alzheimer's Disease is also characterized by a decrease of brain metabolism, an increased of blood flow after treatment would constitute a very promising sign of tACS efficacy in reducing Alzheimer's pathology in the brain. We will report the change in blood flow (mean, standard deviation) after tACS treatment. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | mg/min/100gr | 6 weeks (pre-post tACS intervention) |
|
|
|
| Other Pre-specified | Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale -Cog Score | Change in Adas-Cog score will be reported, to document a potential clinical benefit of tACS. The scale ranges from 0-70 with higher score indicating greater cognitive impairment. | Posted | Mean | Standard Deviation | Scores on a scale | up to 12 weeks |
|
|
|
| 0 |
| 5 |
| 1 |
| 5 |
| 5 |
| 5 |
| Scalp Pain | General disorders | Systematic Assessment |
|
| Neck Pain | General disorders | Systematic Assessment |
|
| Skin Irritation | General disorders | Systematic Assessment |
|
| Sensations Under Electrodes | General disorders | Systematic Assessment | tingling, itching, burning |
|
| Visual Changes | General disorders | Systematic Assessment | flashing lights in peripheral vision |
|
| Mood Change | General disorders | Systematic Assessment | positive mood change |
|
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| D024801 |
| Tauopathies |
| D019636 | Neurodegenerative Diseases |
| D019965 | Neurocognitive Disorders |
| D001523 | Mental Disorders |
| D004191 | Behavioral Disciplines and Activities |
| D004597 | Electroshock |
| D011580 | Psychological Techniques |