Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Intensive Computerized Cognitive Training

To investigate factors that predict cognitive enhancement following engagement in an intensive Computerized Cognitive Training Protocol.

Endovascular Therapy Versus Best Medical Treatment for Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke With Low NIHSS

Patients presenting with mild symptoms of acute ischemic stroke are common and account for approximately half of all acute ischemic stroke. About 30% of patients with minor stroke have a 90-day functional disability. Radiologically proven a large vessel occlusion (LVO) in patients with minor stroke is a well-established predictor of poor outcomes, while the poor outcomes following best medical management in patients with minor stroke with the underlying presence of a LVO are mainly driven by the occurrence of early neurological deterioration (END). Considering the well-known strong association between lack of arterial recanalization and END, endovascular therapy (EVT) appears as an attractive option to improve functional outcomes for LVO-related patients with stroke with mild symptoms. Whether EVT is safe and effective in patients with mild stroke with an LVO is currently debated, since these patients were typically excluded from the pivotal EVT trials. The current study aimed to further test the hypothesis that endovascular therapy would be superior to medical management with respect to functional recovery among low NIHSS patients caused by acute large-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation.

Pramipexole Versus Escitalopram to Treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Comorbid MDD With Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (MND) in Persons With HIV

A phase II, randomized, open-label, two-arm clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of pramipexole extended release (ER) versus escitalopram for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and comorbid MDD with mild neurocognitive disorder (MND) in persons with HIV (PWH). Participants will be assessed comprehensively and briefly at intercurrent visits to monitor for toxicity, response to therapy, and to assess for dose changes. An optional sub-study to evaluate treatment impact on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile will be conducted in a subset of 36 participants.

Brain Stimulation and Cognitive Training for MCI

This is a randomized clinical trial of a treatment that combines non-invasive brain stimulation with computerized cognitive training (CCT) for people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The form of brain stimulation used in this study is accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS). All participants receive the same amount of iTBS and are randomly assigned to engage in one of two types of CCT. The goals of the study are to see if this combined treatment is feasible and acceptable to people with MCI and whether combined iTBS and CCT improves memory, thinking skills, mood, and daily function.

tFUS for Memory in mNCD and Healthy Adults

Dementia is an ongoing and growing public health crisis in the US and worldwide. The purpose of this study is to examine a form of noninvasive brain stimulation called transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) to the hippocampus with the goal of improving memory.

Deep rTMS for Mild Neurocognitive Disorder in Older Adults

This study aims to: (1) assess the feasibility and tolerability of three deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) coils H1, H4, and H7 in older adults with mild neurocognitive disorder (mild NCD); and (2) evaluate changes in cognition through neuropsychological testing, brain activity through EEG, and mood and sleep through self-report questionnaires. Participants will be assigned to one of three arms: H1- coil vs. H4-coil vs. H7-coil, and all participants will complete assessments examining dTMS side effects, mental health symptoms, and cognition. EEG, questionnaires, and CNS vital signs will be measured at baseline, midpoint (after 10th session- before dTMS treatment on visit 11), and end point, as well as follow up. Collectively, the study will address the absolute and differential feasibility and tolerability of the H1, H4 and H7 coils to provide preliminary data for a future randomized controlled trial comparing this novel intervention to a sham stimulation (placebo) control.