Zapping the brain to save memories: new trial for MCI
NCT ID NCT04558164
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can improve memory in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or subjective memory complaints. About 70 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either real or sham (fake) stimulation over several sessions. Researchers will measure changes in verbal recall, object recognition, and face-name memory to see if the treatment helps.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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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
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About 70 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2021
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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55 to 100 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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: * Agreement to participate in the study * 55-100 years of age * Right-handedness * In good general health * Living independently * Subjective memory complaints (self-report and positive score on MFQ) * Katz ADL scale and Lawton iADL scale: We will review scores on a case-by-case basis if they did not score 100%. We will exclude if the scores show impairment in ADLs that suggests problems with independent functioning due to cognitive impairment. * MMSE score \> 24 * PHQ Depression score =\< 7 * Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently * Diagnosis of mild neurocognitive disorder according to DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria. Participants with subjective memory complaints without an aMCI diagnosis will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis based on neuropsychological scores. Participants scoring a raw score of 0 or 3 standard deviations below normative expectations on the long delay recall in two or more of the three tasks (BVMT-R, RCFT, and CVLT-III) will be excluded. * No change in use of psychotropic medication for treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHS or psychosis 1 month prior and during the study. Screening diagnostic criteria for aMCI will be subjective memory complaints, intact instrumental and basic activities of daily living (Smith et al., 1996), PHQ, MMSE, BVMT-R (25-minute delay), CVLT-II (20-minute delay), Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Task (30-minute delay). Baseline assessments will include neuropsychological testing of all study subjects. Exclusion Criteria: * Unwilling or unable to provide informed consent * Diagnosis of dementia * Active major medical, psychiatric, or neurologic disorder associated with neurocognitive impairment * History of alcohol or substance abuse * Recent (\< 6 months) alcohol or substance abuse (excluding nicotine or caffeine) * History of stroke (if the stroke in our judgment is related to the memory problem), traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, or other neurologic disorder (e.g., epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease) * Non-English speaking participants * Not right handed based on self-report or evaluation based on a standard report * Has received TMS before (not TMS naïve) * Poorly controlled hypertension or cardiovascular disease * Current enrollment in a memory-enhancement study or course * Contraindication to TMS or MRI including claustrophobia, metal in body, surgery within 60 days, certain implants, or previous abnormal MRI results. * scanning facial tattoos is okay if safe with MRI * is taking: * anticholinergic medication (e.g., Detrol, Cogentin); * sedating antihistamine (e.g., Benadryl); * any drug that has significant anticholinergic or antihistaminic side effects (e.g., tricyclic antidepressant medications, Remeron). * benzodiazepines. While not a strict rule out, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on the dose.
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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
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University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, 90024, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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