Can a gentle brain zap boost memory in seniors?
NCT ID NCT07531888
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve memory, attention, and thinking in older adults who have noticed their thinking is slipping. Twenty participants will receive either real or sham stimulation over several weeks. Researchers will measure changes in cognitive tests and certain gene markers.
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 ease memory and thinking problems in older adults with early cognitive decline.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply widely. The effect may be small or no better than a placebo.
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 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Dec 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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60 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: 1. Right-handed (for MRI purposes) 2. Age 60 to 75 years 3. 6 years or more of schooling 4. Proficiency in Spanish 5. Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment established by clinical examination 6. Adequate visual and auditory acuity to perform neuropsychological tests and undergo cognitive rehabilitation 7. If receiving psychotropic medication, to have started it at least 12 weeks prior to the start of the study, remain at stable doses, or have discontinued it for at least 4 weeks 8. Good general health without medical or psychiatric illnesses that would interfere with the study 9. An informant capable of responding to clinimetric assessments throughout the study and willing to accompany the patient for at least 10 hours per week Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. Any neurological disease other than Alzheimer's disease that raises suspicion of cognitive impairment, such as Parkinson's disease, multiple infarct dementia, Huntington's disease, hydrocephalus, brain tumor, progressive supranuclear palsy, seizure disorder, subdural hematoma, multiple sclerosis, or a history of traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness. 2\. Participants with a history of severe psychiatric disorders according to the DSM-5 (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, chronic depression) or with psychotic features, agitation, or behavioral problems in the last three months that could lead to difficulties in complying with the protocol. 3\. History of psychoactive substance abuse and current alcohol consumption with a pattern of abuse or dependence in the last two years. 4\. Participants with abnormalities on a conventional electroencephalogram (paroxysmal phenomena identified by a neurophysiologist). 5. Participants with pacemakers, intracranial metallic objects or a history of brain surgery, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments or foreign objects in the eyes, skin or body. 5\. Participants with pacemakers, intracranial metallic objects or a history of brain surgery, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body. 6\. Participation in clinical studies with neuropsychological measures taken more than once a year. 7\. Having received prior treatment.
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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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Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Hidalgo
Pachuca, Hidalgo, 42082, Mexico
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