Could a zapping cap boost memory after a head injury?
NCT ID NCT04504630
First seen Jan 19, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 25 times
Summary
This study tested whether a device that delivers a very mild electrical current to the scalp could improve memory in 26 older adults with mild cognitive impairment and a past traumatic brain injury. Participants received ten sessions of either real or fake stimulation to a brain region linked to memory. The researchers measured memory performance right after treatment and again three months later.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to boost memory in people with mild cognitive impairment after a head injury.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early study with only 26 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and any memory improvements might be short-lived.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.