Shock therapy for dementia agitation? new trial tests ECT
NCT ID NCT03926520
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether adding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to usual care can safely reduce severe agitation in people with moderate to severe dementia, including Alzheimer's and other types. Fifty participants will receive ECT sessions with anesthesia, and researchers will measure changes in agitation using a standard scale. The goal is to see if ECT can provide quick relief when other treatments have failed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) using right unilateral electrode placement and ultra-brief pulse width
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new option to quickly calm severe agitation in dementia patients who haven't responded to other treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a small early study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. ECT carries risks from anesthesia and possible memory side effects.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Emory Healthcare
RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30308, United States
Contact
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Mayo Clinic
RECRUITINGRochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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McLean Hospital
RECRUITINGBelmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States
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Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Northwell Health
RECRUITINGGlen Oaks, New York, 11004, United States
Contact
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
RECRUITINGGrand Rapids, Michigan, 49548, United States
Contact
Contact Email: •••••@•••••