Could a magnetic helmet boost aging brains? new trial tests memory rescue
NCT ID NCT06095063
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) can improve memory and thinking in older adults who have memory concerns and a family history of Alzheimer's. About 30 people aged 55–70 will receive either real or sham dTMS daily for 4 weeks, combined with cognitive training. Researchers will measure changes in memory, other thinking skills, mood, and brain activity using EEG.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to boost memory and thinking in older adults worried about their memory.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early study with only 30 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment is short-term, and any benefits might not last.
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 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2023
- 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 70 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: * have a family history of late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) as defined by having a first degree relative, living or deceased, with a probable or confirmed diagnosis of AD * have subjective memory decline and concern about memory changes * score 26 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) * 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 * have an informant/study partner who is able to complete study questionnaires regarding the participant Exclusion Criteria: * have a metal plate in their head, except in the mouth (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips) * 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 significant heart condition * have current depression or a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia other than AD * 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 significant hearing loss requiring use of hearing aids * have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism * have TMS contraindications * have unstable medical condition(s) * regularly use benzodiazepines or other hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization
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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
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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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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Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M6A 2E1, Canada
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