Posterior Cortical AtrophyPCANCT07191327
Testing Personalized High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) as a Treatment of Posterior Cortical Atrophy
A study testing HD-tDCS sessions and HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment) in people with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, run by University of Michigan at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study is being completed to learn if high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has an effect on visual and thinking abilities in persons with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). Participants will be randomized to receive real or sham HD-tDCS (8 sessions over 4 days). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Posterior Cortical Atrophy
- What is being tested?
- HD-tDCS sessions and HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment)
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 28 Jan 2026to 31 Jul 2029
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 50 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis or symptoms consistent with PCA
- Fluent in English
- HD-tDCS compatible
- Stable on relevant medications for at least approximately 4 weeks prior to study enrollment
- If completing any additional, optional, long-term study visits in a remote location (i.e., not our office), a study partner is required in order to administer HD-tDCS. Those choosing to return to our office may have, but are not required to have, a study partner.
Who cannot join
- Other relevant neurological disease (e.g., epilepsy) or injuries (e.g., large vessel stroke, moderate-severe traumatic brain injury) viewed as primary to deficits since these could interfere with etiologic considerations and confound study results
- Active, relevant psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) since the symptoms of these conditions may confound study participation.
- A recent (e.g., within the past 2 years) significant history of, or current, alcohol or drug abuse/dependence. Remote history of abuse/dependence is not exclusionary as long as it is not considered to be the primary etiology for visuospatial deficits.
- Women that are lactating/breastfeeding, pregnant, or may potentially be pregnant will be excluded from the study.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109
Stephen Schlaefflin, BS, 734-936-7360, schlst@umich.edu
Eileen Robinson, RN-BC, 734-763-1356, robinsoe@umich.edu
About this study
Official title: Testing Personalized High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) as a Treatment of Posterior Cortical Atrophy
This study is being completed to learn if high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has an effect on visual and thinking abilities in persons with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). Participants will be randomized to receive real or sham HD-tDCS (8 sessions over 4 days).
Following the randomized treatment, participants will have optional open-label phase with real HD-tDCS up to 26 weeks and other possible testing.
- Conditions
- Posterior Cortical Atrophy
- Being tested
- HD-tDCS sessions, Sham HD-tDCS sessions, HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment)
- Keywords
- HD-tDCS, Functional Magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography, Memory and thinking testing, Computerized tests, Questionnaires, Blood draws, Eye tracking and vision tests, Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
HD-tDCS sessionsDevice
This project translates decades of observational neuroimaging research into a biologically plausible stimulation target (i.e., DAN) and uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to plan personalized brain stimulation and to ensure target engagement. When available; those not MRI compatible will receive a standard montage with per channel amplitudes of up to 5 milliamperes (mA) or a montage derived from other imaging methods. Participants will receive 4 days of HD-tDCS sessions in person. During these sessions participants will have electrodes placed on different areas of the head and held in place with headgear. Participants may also have memory and thinking tests during and after the sessions as well as questionnaires about the experience. Additionally, on the fourth day participants may have repeat immersive virtual reality (iVR) as well as other study activities.
Sham HD-tDCS sessionsDevice
Participants will receive 4 days of sham HD-tDCS sessions in person. During these sessions participants will have electrodes placed on different areas of the head and held in place with headgear. Participants may also have memory and thinking tests during and after the sessions as well as questionnaires about the experience. Additionally, on the fourth day participants may have repeat immersive virtual reality (iVR) as well as other study activities.
HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment)Device
Optional 26 weeks of additional HD-tDCS sessions. Participants can complete up to 5 days per week, but most people will complete about 3 days per week. The study team may also collect audio recordings of these sessions. Participants can complete this in person or at-home via using a secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing with the supervision of a research staff member. Participant's that decide to complete the additional sessions at home, a research staff member will train a study partner during the first 4 HD-tDCS sessions in the office. This option may not be available or appropriate for all participants and the study team member will discuss this with participant's and study partners.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Real stimulation - Randomized | Experimental | Four consecutive days (2 sessions for 20 minutes each day for a total of 8 sessions) of this blinded stimulation. Receives: Device: HD-tDCS sessions |
| Sham stimulation - Randomized | Sham comparator | Four consecutive days (2 sessions for 20 minutes each day for a total of 8 sessions) of this blinded stimulation. Receives: Device: Sham HD-tDCS sessions |
| Real stimulation - post randomized treatment | Experimental | Participants that agree to this will have up to 26 weeks of additional HD-tDCS sessions at home or in-person. Receives: Device: HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in network connectivity measured via fMRI
Functional connectivity measures whether activity in different brain regions show similar patterns of change over time. Graph theory metrics of resting-state fMRI can characterize functional connectivity within the Dorsal Attention Network (DAN).
Measured: Baseline and Day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Measure of form coherence
This will evaluate dorsal and ventral visual stream functioning using a visual paradigm.
Measured: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Long-term change in network connectivity via fMRI
Functional connectivity measures whether activity in different brain regions show similar patterns of change over time. Graph theory metrics of resting-state fMRI can characterize functional connectivity within the Dorsal Attention Network.
Measured: Baseline and end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Measures of motion tasks
This will evaluate dorsal and ventral visual stream function. Motion coherence is measured using a visual paradigm.
Measured: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Secondary outcomes (10)
Measures of motion tasks
This will evaluate dorsal and ventral visual stream function. Motion coherence is measured using a visual paradigm.
Measured: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Measure of form coherence tasks
Form coherence is measured using a visual paradigm.
Measured: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Eye tracking - Number of fixations
The study team will quantify the number and duration of fixations, while the participants perform visual search, reading, or other visual tasks affected by PCA.
Measured: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Eye tracking - Number of fixations
The study team will quantify the number and duration of fixations, while the participants perform visual search, reading, or other visual tasks affected by PCA.
Measured: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Self-ratings of cognitive change using the Posterior Cortical Atrophy Questionnaire (PCA-Q)
The PCA-Q has 32 items and measures cognitive difficulty in 12 domains. It is reported as a composite score, with a lower overall score demonstrating less cognitive impairment.
Measured: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Self-ratings of cognitive change using the Posterior Cortical Atrophy Questionnaire (PCA-Q)
The PCA-Q has 32 items and measures cognitive difficulty in 12 domains. It is reported as a composite score, with a lower overall score demonstrating less cognitive impairment
Measured: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Immersive virtual reality (IVR) path length
Quotient of participants actual path length compared to the most efficient path length.
Measured: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) - Activation magnitude of DAN (processed)
Measured using standard fNIRS analysis
Measured: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Partner rating of cognitive change using the PCA-Q
The PCA-Q has 32 items and measures cognitive difficulty in 12 domains. It is reported as a composite score, with a lower overall score demonstrating less cognitive impairment
Measured: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Partner rating of cognitive change using the PCA-Q
The PCA-Q has 32 items and measures cognitive difficulty in 12 domains. It is reported as a composite score, with a lower overall score demonstrating less cognitive impairment
Measured: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Sep 2025
- Study start28 Jan 2026
- Primary completion31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Posterior Cortical AtrophyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of MichiganThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized to receive sham (fake) or real stimulation for the first 4 days of HD-tDCS After the first 4 days, if participants choose to continue to be in the study, all participants will receive "real" stimulation for up to 26 weeks.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Michigan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Benjamin Hampstead, PhD, University of Michigan
- Investigators
- Benjamin Hamstead, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Michigan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07191327
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HUM00268033
- Acronym
- PCA
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 30 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Study data and documentation will be made available to the research community free of charge through the Deep Blue Data repository.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Testing Personalized High Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (HD-tDCS) as a Treatment of Posterior Cortical Atrophy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07191327
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PCA / HUM00268033
- Conditions
- Posterior Cortical Atrophy
- Keywords
- HD-tDCS, Functional Magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography, Memory and thinking testing, Computerized tests, Questionnaires, Blood draws, Eye tracking and vision tests
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of MichiganUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2029 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is being completed to learn if high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) has an effect on visual and thinking abilities in persons with posterior cortical atrophy (PCA). Participants will be randomized to receive real or sham HD-tDCS (8 sessions over 4 days).
Following the randomized treatment, participants will have optional open-label phase with real HD-tDCS up to 26 weeks and other possible testing.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized to receive sham (fake) or real stimulation for the first 4 days of HD-tDCS After the first 4 days, if participants choose to continue to be in the study, all participants will receive "real" stimulation for up to 26 weeks.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Real stimulation - Randomized | Experimental | Device: HD-tDCS sessionsFour consecutive days (2 sessions for 20 minutes each day for a total of 8 sessions) of this blinded stimulation. |
| Sham stimulation - Randomized | Sham comparator | Device: Sham HD-tDCS sessionsFour consecutive days (2 sessions for 20 minutes each day for a total of 8 sessions) of this blinded stimulation. |
| Real stimulation - post randomized treatment | Experimental | Device: HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment)Participants that agree to this will have up to 26 weeks of additional HD-tDCS sessions at home or in-person. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Diagnosis or symptoms consistent with PCA
- Fluent in English
- HD-tDCS compatible
- Stable on relevant medications for at least approximately 4 weeks prior to study enrollment
- If completing any additional, optional, long-term study visits in a remote location (i.e., not our office), a study partner is required in order to administer HD-tDCS. Those choosing to return to our office may have, but are not required to have, a study partner.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Other relevant neurological disease (e.g., epilepsy) or injuries (e.g., large vessel stroke, moderate-severe traumatic brain injury) viewed as primary to deficits since these could interfere with etiologic considerations and confound study results
- Active, relevant psychiatric conditions (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) since the symptoms of these conditions may confound study participation.
- A recent (e.g., within the past 2 years) significant history of, or current, alcohol or drug abuse/dependence. Remote history of abuse/dependence is not exclusionary as long as it is not considered to be the primary etiology for visuospatial deficits.
- Women that are lactating/breastfeeding, pregnant, or may potentially be pregnant will be excluded from the study.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| HD-tDCS sessionsThis project translates decades of observational neuroimaging research into a biologically plausible stimulation target (i.e., DAN) and uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to plan personalized brain stimulation and to ensure target engagement. When available; those not MRI compatible will receive a standard montage with per channel amplitudes of up to 5 milliamperes (mA) or a montage derived from other imaging methods. Participants will receive 4 days of HD-tDCS sessions in person. During these sessions participants will have electrodes placed on different areas of the head and held in place with headgear. Participants may also have memory and thinking tests during and after the sessions as well as questionnaires about the experience. Additionally, on the fourth day participants may have repeat immersive virtual reality (iVR) as well as other study activities. | Device | Real stimulation - Randomized |
| Sham HD-tDCS sessionsParticipants will receive 4 days of sham HD-tDCS sessions in person. During these sessions participants will have electrodes placed on different areas of the head and held in place with headgear. Participants may also have memory and thinking tests during and after the sessions as well as questionnaires about the experience. Additionally, on the fourth day participants may have repeat immersive virtual reality (iVR) as well as other study activities. | Device | Sham stimulation - Randomized |
| HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment)Optional 26 weeks of additional HD-tDCS sessions. Participants can complete up to 5 days per week, but most people will complete about 3 days per week. The study team may also collect audio recordings of these sessions. Participants can complete this in person or at-home via using a secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing with the supervision of a research staff member. Participant's that decide to complete the additional sessions at home, a research staff member will train a study partner during the first 4 HD-tDCS sessions in the office. This option may not be available or appropriate for all participants and the study team member will discuss this with participant's and study partners. | Device | Real stimulation - post randomized treatment |
Primary outcome
Change in network connectivity measured via fMRI
Time frame: Baseline and Day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Functional connectivity measures whether activity in different brain regions show similar patterns of change over time. Graph theory metrics of resting-state fMRI can characterize functional connectivity within the Dorsal Attention Network (DAN).
Measure of form coherence
Time frame: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
This will evaluate dorsal and ventral visual stream functioning using a visual paradigm.
Long-term change in network connectivity via fMRI
Time frame: Baseline and end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Functional connectivity measures whether activity in different brain regions show similar patterns of change over time. Graph theory metrics of resting-state fMRI can characterize functional connectivity within the Dorsal Attention Network.
Measures of motion tasks
Time frame: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
This will evaluate dorsal and ventral visual stream function. Motion coherence is measured using a visual paradigm.
10 secondary outcomes
Measures of motion tasks
Time frame: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Measure of form coherence tasks
Time frame: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Eye tracking - Number of fixations
Time frame: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Eye tracking - Number of fixations
Time frame: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Self-ratings of cognitive change using the Posterior Cortical Atrophy Questionnaire (PCA-Q)
Time frame: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Self-ratings of cognitive change using the Posterior Cortical Atrophy Questionnaire (PCA-Q)
Time frame: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Immersive virtual reality (IVR) path length
Time frame: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) - Activation magnitude of DAN (processed)
Time frame: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Partner rating of cognitive change using the PCA-Q
Time frame: Baseline and day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)
Partner rating of cognitive change using the PCA-Q
Time frame: Baseline and at end of study intervention (up to 6 months)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Study data and documentation will be made available to the research community free of charge through the Deep Blue Data repository.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Benjamin Hamstead, PhD principal investigator
University of Michigan
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing HD-tDCS sessions and HD-tDCS sessions - Open-label (after randomized treatment) in people with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, run by University of Michigan at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Stephen Schlaefflin, BS (734-936-7360, schlst@umich.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in network connectivity measured via fMRI (time frame: Baseline and Day 5 (after 4 days of HD-tDCS)). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Jun 2026.