Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for MCI: a dose-optimized approach
Official title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for MCI: A Phase II Dose-Response Study
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11326317 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether a targeted brain stimulation treatment can help people with mild cognitive impairment reduce symptoms and possibly lower dementia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $748,467 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081237-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11326317 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with amnestic MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease or vascular cognitive impairment who may have depressive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without MCI or without measurable cognitive or mood symptoms related to dementia risk may not benefit.
What this research studies
This trial will test different doses of accelerated iTBS-rTMS to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in people with amnestic MCI to see which dose best improves mood and cognitive functions. It builds on prior safety data showing the treatment is feasible and acceptable in this population. By identifying an optimal dosing strategy, the study aims to advance a non-drug option that could help prevent progression toward dementia for patients with MCI due to Alzheimer’s disease or vascular causes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants could experience better mood and cognition and may contribute to a treatment path that lowers dementia risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies show rTMS is safe and may improve mood and cognitive symptoms, but larger dose-finding data are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Benitez, Andreana — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Benitez, Andreana
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.