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Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment

This study is testing if a non-invasive brain stimulation called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive therapy can improve thinking and memory skills in people who have had a recent stroke. tDCS uses small electrical currents applied to the scalp. The study aims to see if this combination works better than cognitive therapy alone. You might be able to join if you are 18-90 years old, had a stroke within the last 4 weeks, and are experiencing cognitive (thinking) problems because of it. Researchers will measure changes in your thinking abilities using a test called the RBANS to see if the treatment is successful. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design
This is a double-blind, sham-controlled study, meaning neither you nor the researchers will know if you are receiving the real tDCS or a sham (inactive) version. About 70 participants are planned for this study.
What's involved
You would receive 5 daily sessions of either real or sham tDCS paired with cognitive therapy. You will also undergo neuropsychological testing before, immediately after, and at 3, 12, and 24 months following the treatment.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your cognitive function will be assessed immediately after the intervention, and then again at 12 weeks and 12 months after the intervention.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04897334

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Rehabilitation to Ameliorate Impairments in Neurocognition After Stroke

Recruiting
NAAges 18–90InterventionalTreatment
University of Pennsylvania
~70 participants
Updated 2026-01-09 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:tDCSsham tDCSCognitive Therapy

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)
Measured over Baseline assessment prior to intervention; immediate post-intervention; 12 weeks (+/- 4 weeks) post-intervention; 12 months (+/- 4 weeks) post-intervention

Conditions

Ischemic Stroke
Cognitive Impairment

Explore related trials

Cognitive DysfunctionIschemic Stroke

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Pennsylvania1

Study leadership

  • Kelly Sloane, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pennsylvania
  • Roy Hamilton, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pennsylvania

Who to contact

Daniela Sacchetti, MS
[email protected]
215-572-8485
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Stroke that occurred within 4 weeks of the study
Presence of cognitive impairment attributable to stroke
Between the ages of 18 and 90
Able to understand the nature of the study and give informed consent
Able to follow simple commands as evidenced by NIHSS subtest 1C =0

Exclusion

History of chronic, serious, or unstable neurologic illness other than stroke
Current unstable medical illness(es)
History of reoccurring seizures or epilepsy
Current abuse of alcohol or drugs (prescription or otherwise)
Active and severe psychiatric disorder
Metallic objects in the face or head other than dental apparatus such as braces, fillings, and implants.
Pregnancy

What this trial measures

  • Change in Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS)Baseline assessment prior to intervention; immediate post-intervention; 12 weeks (+/- 4 weeks) post-intervention; 12 months (+/- 4 weeks) post-intervention

    This psychometric test covers multiple domains of cognition, comes in multiple versions to avoid practice effect, is validated in the brain injury population and can be administered in 20-30 minutes. Possible scores on the RBANS range from 40 to 160 where a higher score indicates a better outcome.