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

NCT ID NCT03665831

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

ALZHEIMER DISEASE MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M6A 2E1, Canada

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