Could a zapping cap help Alzheimer's patients remember?
NCT ID NCT04122001
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a safe, painless brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve verbal learning in people with Alzheimer's disease. Researchers will compare active stimulation to a sham (fake) version in 90 participants with typical or language-based Alzheimer's. The goal is to see if tDCS, combined with word-list practice, helps people recall words better and understand how the brain changes.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) - a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug, at-home treatment to help people with Alzheimer's remember words and slow memory decline.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study with only 90 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The improvement in memory may be small or temporary, and not all types of Alzheimer's may benefit.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States