Recruiting

Brain health and stroke prevention program for stroke survivors and their families

Plain-English translation of NCT06479174 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · 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.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a program called CHAMPS-TR that combines cognitive training (learning strategies to improve thinking and memory) with vascular risk reduction coaching (learning how to reduce factors that lead to stroke). The program is designed for people who have had a stroke and a close family member (like a child or younger sibling) who may be at risk for stroke in the future. Some participants will also receive a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation, which may help boost the benefits of the cognitive training.

After a stroke, many people experience thinking and memory problems, and their family members are also at higher risk for stroke. This trial exists to see whether combining brain training with lifestyle coaching—and possibly adding brain stimulation—can help both stroke survivors recover mentally and help their relatives stay healthy and prevent future strokes.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have had an ischemic stroke (the most common type) and are experiencing some difficulty with thinking or memory
you are over 40 years old (or over 18 if you're the family member)
you do not have severe difficulty speaking or understanding language
you have a biological family member (child, sibling, or parent) who is willing to participate with you
you have access to a computer or smartphone with internet for video calls
you speak, read, and understand English

You likely don't qualify if…

you have dementia or memory loss that started before your stroke
you have severe untreated depression, anxiety, or recent substance misuse
you have metal implants in your brain, a pacemaker, or are pregnant (if enrolling in the brain stimulation group)
you cannot access or participate in video conference calls
you have certain severe heart, kidney, or liver conditions that would make brain stimulation unsafe

What participation looks like

You and your family member will participate together in the program, which is delivered entirely online from your home. You'll receive coaching on managing heart health risk factors and learn cognitive strategies to improve thinking and memory through guided problem-solving and goal-setting sessions. If you're in the brain stimulation group, you'll also wear a small device on your scalp during some sessions that uses mild electrical current to stimulate your brain—this is done remotely with supervision from the research team. The program is designed to fit around your life and takes place over several weeks, with regular check-ins via video.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico