Could brain pacemakers slow Alzheimer's? new trial tests DBS
NCT ID NCT05882344
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 02, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve thinking and memory in people with early Alzheimer's disease. Two participants will have electrodes implanted in a brain area that produces a key chemical for memory. The goal is to see if daily, one-hour stimulation sessions can slow disease progression and reduce harmful brain proteins.
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
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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 2 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2028
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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60 to 80 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: * Probable, early-stage AD, as defined by NIA-AA 2018 criteria, including amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) * Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score of 0.5-1.0 with a memory box score of at least 0.5 * MMSE ³ 23 * Stable cognitive enhancer medication equivalent to 10 mg/day donepezil or less for at least 60 days * Stable other medications (e.g., psychotropics) * Valid informed consent if female, subjects who are post-menopausal or surgically sterile or willing to use birth control methods for the duration of the study * an available caregiver willing to participate * subject is living at home and likely to remain at home for the study duration. Exclusion Criteria: * Active or unstable psychiatric illness * Inability to tolerate general anesthesia. * Another concurrent CNS condition or clinical co-morbidity interfering with the study (ie, stroke, Parkinson's disease, Lewy-Body dementia or other form of dementia, other evidence of significant structural brain pathology). * Current major psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder based on psychiatric consult at screening visit * Verbal IQ\<85 * Contraindication regarding anesthesia, stereotactic operation, MRI (e.g. claustrophobia, or implants), or PET (e.g. insulin dependent diabetes) procedures * Inability to undergo PET or MRI imaging * Active alcohol or substance abuse as defined by DSM5 * Is unable or unwilling to comply with protocol follow-up requirements * Is actively enrolled in another concurrent clinical trial. * Terminal illness associated with expected survival of \<12 months
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Vanderbilt Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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