Can a gentle brain zapping boost memory and mood in early dementia?

NCT ID NCT06668610

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS, combined with cognitive training, can improve thinking skills and mood in people with mild cognitive impairment or early dementia. Fifty participants will receive both real and placebo stimulation in two separate treatment cycles. Researchers will also look at whether education level or brain activity patterns predict who benefits most.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) — a non-invasive brain stimulation device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, drug-free way to ease memory loss and depression in early dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage crossover trial with only 50 participants. The placebo effect is strong in brain stimulation studies, and results may not apply to everyone.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction dementia early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease frontotemporal dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALZHEIMER DISEASE ALZHEIMER DISEASE, EARLY ONSET DEMENTIA FRONTOTEMPORAL DEGENERATION (FTD) MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT (MCI) NEUROCOGNITIVE DECLINE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Department of Psychology, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"
RECRUITING

Caserta, Italy, 81100, Italy

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