Can a food preservative boost brain power in Alzheimer's?

NCT ID NCT05006781

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

Summary

This study tests whether adding sodium benzoate (a common food preservative) to brain stimulation therapy can improve thinking and memory in people with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment. 140 participants will receive two weeks of brain stimulation and then 24 weeks of either the drug or a placebo. The goal is to see if the combination works better than stimulation alone.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

sodium benzoate

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a new combination therapy to slow cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial that is currently suspended. The drug is a common food preservative, and its benefit for Alzheimer's is unproven. Results may not lead to a treatment.

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.

Alzheimer disease dementia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

    Kaohsiung City, 886, Taiwan