Sound waves aimed at the brain may sharpen memory in early decline

NCT ID NCT06718140

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase study tests whether a noninvasive technique called transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) can improve memory in people with mild neurocognitive disorder and in healthy older adults. Using MRI guidance, the device sends sound waves to specific brain areas. The trial will enroll 25 participants and measure changes in memory tasks and brain activity. It is primarily a safety and feasibility study.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a noninvasive way to boost memory in people with mild cognitive decline.
What could go wrong: This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 25 people. It is designed mainly to test safety and brain activity, not to prove memory improvement yet.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cognitive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEALTHY AGING MILD NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina, 29414, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.