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

NCT ID NCT06121206

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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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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.

BIPOLAR DISORDER COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT DEPRESSION

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

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