Can magnetic brain stimulation lift mood and sharpen memory in seniors?

NCT ID NCT03665831

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

Summary

This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) in 28 adults over 60 who have Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment along with depression that hasn't improved with medication. Participants receive daily dTMS sessions for 4 weeks using a special coil designed to reach deeper brain areas. The goal is to see if this treatment can safely reduce depression and possibly help with cognitive symptoms.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) using the Brainsway H1-Coil device

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to improve mood and thinking in older adults with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment who haven't benefited from antidepressants.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study with only 28 participants, so results may not apply widely. The treatment requires daily sessions for 4 weeks, and it's unclear if benefits will last.

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.

Alzheimer disease Cognitive Dysfunction Depression major depressive disorder

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: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest

    RECRUITING

    Toronto, Ontario, M6A 2E1, Canada

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