Plain-English translation of NCT04897334 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This study is testing whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a safe, noninvasive technique that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate the brain—can help improve thinking and memory problems after a stroke. You would receive five daily sessions of this brain stimulation while doing cognitive therapy exercises (like memory and problem-solving tasks). Half of participants will receive real stimulation, and half will receive sham (fake) stimulation, so researchers can fairly compare how much the treatment actually helps.
After a stroke, many people experience lasting problems with thinking, memory, and concentration that make it hard to return to daily life. This trial exists because researchers want to find out whether combining brain stimulation with cognitive training can help restore these mental abilities better than cognitive therapy alone.
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You would receive five consecutive daily sessions of brain stimulation (or sham stimulation) lasting 20 minutes each, during which you would also do cognitive exercises designed to challenge your thinking and memory. You would complete cognitive testing before treatment begins, right after it ends, and then again at 3 months, 12 months, and 24 months after treatment to see how much your thinking has improved. The entire study participation spans about 2 years of follow-up.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Pennsylvania
Enrollment target
~70 participants
Started
September 2021
Primary completion
June 2027
Age range
18 Years – 90 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in January 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Daniela Sacchetti, MS
University of Pennsylvania
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.