Deep Brain Stimulation of the Pedunculopontine Nucleus for Alzheimer's Disease (NCT06936124)
A Pilot Clinical Trial Investigating Deep Brain Stimulation of the Pedunculopontine Nucleus for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain disorder that gradually impacts cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Gamma oscillations are a type of brain activity thought to play a role in memory and cognition (thinking abilities). In AD, these oscillations are impaired - meaning they are smaller and slower than the brain waves observed in healthy individuals. Research suggests that enhancing these brain waves may help slow the progression of AD. This research is investigating a technique called deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) as an experimental intervention. An electrode will be implanted in the PPN and deliver mild stimulation over the course of a 12-month period. As a novel intervention, the priority of the study is to determine if DBS-PPN is a safe and feasible intervention for mild-AD. Additionally, the study investigators are evaluating whether DBS-PPN can increase natural gamma oscillations in ways that improve memory and cognition. The insights from this study will guide the design of an accessible larger trial to more definitively assess how effective DBS-PPN could be as a treatment for AD. Participants will: * Undergo a 12-month experimental intervention involving DBS of the PPN. The procedure for implanting the DBS device takes approximately 2-3 hours under general anesthesia, followed by an overnight stay in the hospital for safety monitoring. * Be required to attend regular appointments every 3 months from DBS implantation for the duration of the study. The follow-up visits will include safety and feasibility monitoring, brain scans (EEG and MEG), and cognitive assessments/questionnaires. * Participants' caregiver will also complete questionnaires about their cognition, functioning, and overall health at the follow-up visits.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Toronto Western Hospital — Toronto, Ontario
Age range: 60 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Deep Brain Stimulation of the Pedunculopontine Nucleus (PROCEDURE)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Toronto Western Hospital — Toronto, Ontario
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (416) 918-4059
Email: delaney.sharp2@uhn.ca
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.