Brain surgery meets brain science: probing how a memory-related chemical system influences cognition

NCT ID NCT07721272

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 23, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates how a drug called Cobenfy KarXT, which affects the brain's cholinergic (acetylcholine) system, alters brain activity during memory and thinking tasks. About 30 people with essential tremor or epilepsy who are already scheduled for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery will take either the drug or a placebo before their procedure. During awake surgery, researchers will use a clinical brain probe to record electrical signals while participants perform cognitive tasks, aiming to understand how cholinergic circuits support learning, memory, and cognitive control.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Cobenfy KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) pill or placebo, given once before surgery
What this could lead to: If it works, this could reveal how the brain's cholinergic system supports memory and decision-making, pointing toward new treatments for cognitive disorders.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (30 people) focused on measuring brain signals, not treating disease. Results may not apply to broader populations or lead directly to therapies.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cognitive disorder epilepsy essential tremor Memory Disorders visual epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COGNITIVE CONTROL EPILEPSY ESSENTIAL TREMOR MEMORY CONSOLIDATION MEMORY DISORDERS MEMORY ENCODING MEMORY REPLAY MOTOR ABILITIES SEIZURES

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

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

Locations

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States

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

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