Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025
08:53
Randomized, Triple-Blind, and Parallel-Controlled Trial of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Cognitive Rehabilitation after Stroke
Published on: June 6, 2025
609
Enhanced cognitive outcomes with telehealth-based tDCS in multiple sclerosis: Results from a sham-controlled RCT
Leigh Charvet1, Judith Goldberg2, Xiaochun Li2
1Department of Neurology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Summary
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) plus adaptive cognitive training (aCT) significantly improved cognitive function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. The treatment showed greater benefits for individuals with higher levels of neurologic disability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Cognitive impairment is a prevalent and debilitating symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- Current therapeutic strategies for MS-related cognitive dysfunction have limited efficacy.
- Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, such as tDCS, offer potential for novel interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with adaptive cognitive training (aCT) in improving cognitive function in individuals with MS.
- To compare the effects of active tDCS + aCT versus sham tDCS + aCT.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants diagnosed with MS and experiencing fatigue, excluding those with depression or severe cognitive impairment.
- Participants received 30 remotely supervised 20-minute sessions of either active (2.0 mA) or sham tDCS targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, paired with aCT.
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Brief International Cognitive Assessment in MS (BICAMS) at baseline and post-intervention, with scores adjusted for demographics.
Main Results:
- A total of 106 participants completed the BICAMS assessments, with high compliance (>92% completed >25 sessions).
- The active tDCS + aCT group showed a significantly greater mean improvement in BICAMS z-scores (0.06 ± 0.56) compared to the sham group (-0.16 ± 0.50) (p=0.035).
- Cognitive benefits were more pronounced in participants with high Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, indicating greater neurologic disability.
Conclusions:
- Home-based tDCS combined with aCT is an effective intervention for enhancing cognitive function in individuals with MS.
- The positive effects of this combined therapy are particularly significant for patients with higher levels of neurologic disability.
- This approach represents a promising, accessible treatment option for managing cognitive impairment in MS.
