NCT07068620 · RECRUITING

Neurophysiological and Behavioral Study of the Cognitive Deficits Associated With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease in the SHIVA Cohort. SHIVA-CogNeurophys

This study is testing whether home-based computer cognitive training and a gentle form of non-invasive brain stimulation called tACS can improve thinking and memory in people who have cerebral small vessel disease — tiny blood vessel damage in the brain that raises stroke and dementia risk. Researchers also want to find EEG brain-wave patterns that signal cognitive trouble early. This is a Phase NA observational and intervention study, meaning it is exploratory rather than a late-stage treatment trial.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
* Patients included or previously included in the SHIVA cohort
* Basic computer skills (ability to open a browser, use a mouse and keyboard)
* Access to a personal computer with an internet connection
* Independent in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) with a score ≥ 5/6, and in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) with a score ≥ 4/8
* Informed and written consent signed by the participant and the investigating physician for this study
Exclusion Criteria:
* Motor impairments preventing the use of a keyboard and mouse (e.g., motor issues related to severe hand osteoarthritis)
* Depressive symptoms indicated by a score of 2 to 4 on the mini Geriatric Depression Scale (mini GDS), which includes 4 items
* Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
* Untreated glaucoma
* Untreated psychiatric conditions that interfere with cognitive assessments
* Diagnosed attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity or patients who could not complete all cognitive tests required in the SHIVA cohort
* Systemic diseases that cause cognitive changes, such as obesity and metabolic disorders
* History of epilepsy or seizures
* Scalp sensitivity or skin lesions (dermatitis, wounds, etc.)
Contraindications for the use of electrical stimulation:
* Surgical clips, metal sutures, staples, stents
* Osteosynthesis material in the head or neck
* Pacemaker
* Implanted hearing aid
* Ocular foreign bodies, shrapnel, bullets
* Metalworker
* Pacemaker or neurostimulator
* Heart valve or endovascular material
* Ventricular shunt valve
  * Recent exposure (\< 6 months) to brain stimulation (tDCS, TMS, etc.)
  * Ongoing participation in a clinical trial or cognitive training program

The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.

Eligibility criteria as of 2026-02-02

View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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