Could magnetic pulses restore memory after ICU delirium?

NCT ID NCT07452939

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

Summary

Many older adults who survive an ICU stay with delirium continue to have trouble with memory, attention, and planning. This pilot study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation technique called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can safely improve these cognitive problems. Forty adults aged 50 to 75 who had ICU delirium will receive either real or sham stimulation over two weeks, and their thinking skills will be tested before, right after, and one month later. The goal is to see if this approach is feasible and worth testing in larger trials.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) using a transcranial magnetic stimulation device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a safe, non-drug treatment to help older adults recover thinking skills after ICU delirium.

What could go wrong

This is a very early pilot study with only 40 people. It is designed to test feasibility, not effectiveness, so results may not show clear benefit. The stimulation is investigational for this use.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

delirium dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • University of Florida Shands Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States

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