Zapping the brain to sharpen memory: new hope for forgetful seniors?

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * 55 - 85 years of age (on the day of randomization) * are male or post-menopausal female * have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) based on Montreal Cognitive Assessment score \< 26 or where available, results from clinical neuropsychological assessment, OR subjective memory concerns and first degree relative, living or deceased, with a probable or confirmed diagnosis of AD * score 24 or higher on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) * are willing to provide informed consent * are able to follow the treatment schedule * are stable on medications for 2 months and are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications) * have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS Exclusion Criteria: * have a metal plate in their head(such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips). Dental devices and implants that are non-magnetic are safe. * have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures * have a cardiac pacemaker * have an implanted medication pump * have a central venous line * have a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia * have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months * have a history of stroke or other brain lesions * have a personal history of epilepsy * have a family history of epilepsy * are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman * have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain * have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism * have unstable medical condition(s) * have any other known contraindications to TMS * are on unstable doses of any psychotropic medication such as antidepressants, antipsychotic, mood stabilizers or memory enhancing medications * regularly use benzodiazepines or other hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization