Could a Low-Dose epilepsy drug protect aging brains?

NCT ID NCT06919926

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether a low-dose extended-release version of levetiracetam (AGB101) can reduce overactivity in the hippocampus, a brain region often overactive in early dementia. Sixty adults aged 50–80 with normal thinking skills will take the drug or a placebo for two weeks each, and brain scans will measure changes. The goal is to see if calming this overactivity could help prevent or delay memory decline.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: AGB101 (low-dose levetiracetam, 220 mg extended release tablet)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment that reduces abnormal brain activity linked to memory loss and dementia in older adults.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early Phase 2 trial with only 60 participants and a short 2-week treatment period. It measures brain imaging changes, not actual memory or thinking improvements, so success is uncertain.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DEMENTIA HIPPOCAMPAL OVERACTIVITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States

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