Heart fix may shield brain: FALCON trial tests ablation for memory loss

NCT ID NCT05790707

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a heart procedure called catheter ablation can slow down memory loss in people with mild cognitive impairment who also have a common heart rhythm problem called atrial fibrillation. 120 participants will be randomly assigned to get either the ablation plus heart-rhythm drugs, or the drugs alone. The main goal is to see if the ablation group has better scores on a memory and thinking test after 6 months.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

catheter ablation (a procedure using heat or cold to destroy heart tissue causing irregular rhythm) plus antiarrhythmic drugs

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to preserve memory and thinking in people with both atrial fibrillation and mild cognitive impairment.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage study (120 people) and the main outcome is a questionnaire score, not a hard endpoint. The procedure carries risks like bleeding, infection, or heart damage, and the cognitive benefit is uncertain.

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.

atrial fibrillation Cognitive Dysfunction persistent atrial fibrillation

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: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • CHU Angers

    RECRUITING

    Angers, France

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

  • CHU Grenoble

    RECRUITING

    Grenoble, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Centre Cardiologique du Nord

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Saint-Denis, France

    Contact

  • La Timone

    RECRUITING

    Marseille, France

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

  • University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Brest, France

    Contact

  • University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Caen, France

    Contact

  • University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Dijon, France

    Contact

  • University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Poitiers, France

    Contact