Zapping the ear to sharpen aging brains: stanford launches memory study

NCT ID NCT07214194

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Stanford University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This Stanford study tests whether a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can improve memory formation in healthy older adults (ages 65-80) compared to younger adults (ages 18-30). The stimulation is given during learning tasks, and researchers will also look at how gut and brain health affect the results. The study involves 150 participants and aims to understand the potential of vagus nerve stimulation for memory enhancement.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve memory in healthy older adults and help understand the gut-brain connection in aging.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study in healthy people, not patients with memory loss. The effect may be small or not translate to real-world benefits. Results are exploratory.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for AGING are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

AGING ALZHEIMER DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Stanford University

Stanford, California, 94305, United States

More trials for these conditions

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