Can magnetic pulses boost memory in dementia?

NCT ID NCT02621424

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This completed study tested whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve memory and thinking in 32 veterans aged 55+ with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Participants received either real rTMS or a sham (fake) treatment. The main goal was to see changes in verbal memory scores right after treatment and again 4 months later.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to ease memory problems in people with early dementia.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early study with only 32 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and any memory benefits might be small or short-lived.

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 Cognitive Dysfunction dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DEMENTIA MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto, California, 94304-1207, United States

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