Brain training in a 'high-altitude' room may boost memory in depression

NCT ID NCT06121206

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a three-week program where healthy adults and people with depression or bipolar disorder did cognitive training inside a room with low oxygen (like being at 4,400 meters altitude). The goal was to see if the combination improves memory, attention, and executive function. 190 participants were split into groups comparing the low-oxygen training with normal-oxygen training or no training. The results may show whether this approach can help with thinking problems in mood disorders.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Altitude-like hypoxia (12% oxygen) combined with cognitive training

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to boost memory and thinking in people with mood disorders.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with healthy volunteers and stable patients. The effects may be small or not last, and the hypoxia room may cause discomfort or side effects.

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This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bipolar disorder Cognitive Dysfunction Depression depressive disorder Hypoxia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Neurocognition and Emotion in Affective Disorders (NEAD) Centre, University of Copenhagen and Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Frederiksberg hospital

    Copenhagen, Capital Region of Copenhagen, 1353, Denmark