Clinical Research Directory

Personalized Closed-Loop Brain Stimulation for Patients With Primary Progressive Aphasia

This research study investigates the feasibility and efficacy of a personalized, closed-loop electroencephalogram-transcranial electrical stimulation (EEG-tES) intervention for individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), addressing the inconsistent results of generic brain stimulation protocols. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI)-derived insights with real-time data, the study aims to customize transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) parameters, including electrode placement, intensity, and frequency to target the specific brain regions responsible for abnormal signaling in each participant. Over the intervention period paired with computerized cognitive training, the project will evaluate improvements in learning, memory, and functional connectivity, while simultaneously identifying clinical and physiological predictors to determine the viability of transitioning this low-cost, non-invasive technology into a remotely supervised, home-based therapy setting. The study duration will be a total of 6-8 weeks.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration

The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety, feasibility, clinical and biological efficacy, and predictors of efficacy of an intervention consisting of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTLD) or in asymptomatic persons at risk of FTLD (i.e., persons familiar with FTLD patients). rTMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, and has demonstrated the ability to modulate neuronal activity by applying high-frequency magnetic fields to the surface of the skull. rTMS offers a potentially effective means to influence neural networks involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, with benefits that could extend beyond symptomatic relief. Its safety has been widely documented in a variety of clinical conditions, making it an ideal candidate for application in neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, participants will undergo the following procedures: (i) clinical and neuropsychological assessment, (ii) TMS, and (iii) blood sampling. The occurrence of adverse events will be monitored throughout the duration of the study. The study is structured in two phases. In the first phase, double-blind, randomised and placebo-controlled, participants will be randomised into two groups: group 1, participants will receive real rTMS for 2 weeks; and group 2, placebo rTMS for 2 weeks. In the second, open-label phase, after 10 weeks, both group 1 and group 2 participants will receive real rTMS for 2 weeks. Each participant will receive a total of 4 weeks of intervention (4 weeks of real stimulation in group 1, or 2 weeks of real stimulation and 2 weeks of placebo stimulation in group 2), with 5 sessions per week (Monday to Friday) lasting approximately 30 minutes each. Visits will take place at the beginning of the study (T00) and after 2 weeks (T02, end of the first phase), 12 weeks (T12, beginning of the second phase), 14 weeks (T14, end of the second phase), 24 weeks (T24, follow-up). During each visit, participants underwent the following procedures: (i) clinical and neuropsychological assessment, (ii) blood sampling, and (iii) TMS. Specific biomarker analyses will be performed on the blood samples to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease and the effect of the experimental intervention.

Clinico-Pathologic-Genetic-Imaging Study of Neurodegenerative and Related Disorders

The investigators aim to learn more about symptoms suggestive of a neurodegenerative process.

Longitudinal Multi-Modality Imaging in Progressive Apraxia of Speech

The study is designed to determine the relationship between structural and functional changes in the brain on imaging and progression of speech and language, neurological and neuropsychological features in patients with neurodegenerative apraxia of speech (AOS).

Nabilone for Agitation in Frontotemporal Dementia

The primary goal of this study is to test the hypothesis that oral nabilone treatment will reduce agitation compared with placebo in patients with Frontotemporal Dementia (both behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia and primary progressive aphasia). The study population is defined as patients with probable Frontotemporal Dementia that meet the International Psychogeriatric Association criteria for agitation in cognitive disorders.