Brain zapping shows promise for sharper memory in seniors
NCT ID NCT06740864
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp at 40 Hz can strengthen brain rhythms linked to memory in healthy adults aged 50-80. Thirty participants received the stimulation while performing a working memory task. The goal was to see if this approach could eventually help with cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) device
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a non-invasive way to improve memory or slow cognitive decline in aging.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in healthy people, not patients. It only measures short-term brain activity, not real-world memory improvement or disease prevention.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
30 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jun 2024
- Finished
-
Jun 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
50 to 85 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * healthy elderly between 50-80 years of age * normal or corrected to normal eye vision * right-handed * non-smokers * at least 70 % accuracy in working memory training task Exclusion Criteria: * history of neurological or psychiatric disorders including seizures or epilepsy, * Taking CNS, blood pressure and other medications * having metal implants in the head and neck * significant cognitive decline meassured by The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
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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
Locations
-
Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences
Tehran, Iran
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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