Could a tiny dose of radiation help fight Alzheimer's?

NCT ID NCT03352258

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Valentina Garibotto Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This pilot study tested whether a short course of low-dose radiation to the brain could reduce amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Twenty people with early Alzheimer's and positive amyloid scans were enrolled. Half received radiation over 5 days, while the other half were followed as a comparison group. The goal was to see if the treatment was safe and could lower amyloid buildup on brain scans.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: low-dose radiotherapy (radiation to the brain)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to reduce amyloid plaques in the brain and possibly slow Alzheimer's progression.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study with only 20 people, so results may not apply widely. It's early research, and the treatment may not work or could cause side effects from brain radiation.

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.

Alzheimer disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALZHEIMER DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Geneva University Hospital

Geneva, 1211, Switzerland

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