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

NCT ID NCT06668610

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 25, 2026

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.

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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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Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

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

    RECRUITING

    Caserta, Italy, 81100, Italy

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

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.

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.