Shock therapy for dementia agitation? new trial tests ECT

NCT ID NCT03926520

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Brent Forester Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 2 times

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease dementia frontotemporal dementia Lewy body dementia Psychomotor Agitation vascular dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

AGITATION,PSYCHOMOTOR ALZHEIMER DEMENTIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Emory Healthcare

Atlanta, Georgia, 30308, United States
Mayo Clinic

Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
McLean Hospital

Belmont, Massachusetts, 02478, United States
Northwell Health

Glen Oaks, New York, 11004, United States
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services

Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49548, United States

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