Network-based tDCS for Apathy

Apathy is one of the most common and undertreated neurobehavioral symptoms in older adults with dementia. It is associated with reduced motivation and engagement in daily activities, and may contribute to faster cognitive and functional decline. Currently, there are no approved pharmacologic treatments for apathy, and many behavioral interventions are difficult for individuals with apathy to initiate and sustain. This ISAC-funded pilot study will examine the feasibility of a home-delivered, network-based transcranial direct current stimulation intervention designed to target and non-invasively stimulate brain regions involved in motivation and goal-directed behavior, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex. The study will assess feasibility, safety, adherence of this intervention for older adults with dementia and apathy, and obtain preliminary data of clinical and neurophysiological measures. The team has submitted the IRB application, which is currently pending review, and has posted a position to hire a new research assistant who will support recruitment, study coordination, and intervention delivery. These start-up activities will help prepare the team to launch participant enrollment once regulatory approvals and staffing are in place.