Can a zapping cap boost brainpower in Alzheimer's?
NCT ID NCT06861231
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether combining a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS with memory and thinking exercises could help people with early Alzheimer's. Twenty-two participants received either real or fake stimulation during 10 sessions of cognitive training. Researchers measured changes in memory and thinking skills right after treatment and again one month later.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to boost memory and thinking skills in people with early Alzheimer's disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 22 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be modest or not last long-term.
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
-
22 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Oct 2024
- Finished
-
Apr 2026
- 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
-
60 to 90 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Participants were eligible if they met criteria for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (MCI due to AD), defined as a score ≥ 23 on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and classification at Stage 3 on the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). Exclusion criteria included contraindications to transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), such as intracranial metal implants or intracranial hypertension, as well as the presence of significant cerebrovascular disease or severe psychiatric symptoms.
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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
-
Universidad de Valencia
Valencia, Valencia, 46010, Spain
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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