Ear stimulation may sharpen thinking in Parkinson's and healthy adults
NCT ID NCT07424365
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a mild electrical pulse to the ear—called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation—can improve decision-making and problem-solving. Researchers will compare results in healthy adults, people with mild cognitive impairment, and those with Parkinson's disease. The goal is to understand how this non-invasive technique affects brain networks, not to treat or cure any condition.
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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 80 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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May 2025
- Expected to finish
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May 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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18 to 65 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.
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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.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals aged 18-65. 2. Ability to sign informed consent. 3. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 4. For the PD group, a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease without severe motor or cognitive impairments. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current uncontrolled and/or clinically significant medical condition. 2. Abnormal ear anatomy or active ear infection. 3. Electronic medical implants, such as pacemakers, cochlear prosthesis, neuro-stimulators. 4. Uncorrected visual impairments that would interfere with task performance. (6) Other significant diseases or disorders that might impair study participation.
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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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Clinical Translational Research Center at CU Anschutz
RECRUITINGAurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
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