Using magnetic stimulation to improve memory in Alzheimer's patients
Official title: Enhancement of Hippocampal Plasticity Using Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10804599 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special treatment called rTMS might help people with Alzheimer's disease improve their memory by stimulating a part of the brain important for learning, and it involves a few sessions where we'll check how well it works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $678,098 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG062543-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10804599 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can enhance the brain's ability to form new memories in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. By using MRI to guide the stimulation precisely to the hippocampus, the study aims to improve synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for learning and memory. Participants will undergo a series of rTMS sessions, and their memory functions will be assessed to determine the effectiveness of this approach. The study is designed to be double-blind and randomized to ensure reliable results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new non-invasive treatments that significantly improve memory function in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with rTMS in enhancing memory function, suggesting that this approach may be effective for Alzheimer's patients as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chou, Ying-Hui — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Chou, Ying-Hui
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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.