40 Hz Gamma Auditory Stimulation for Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Official title: Development and Validation of an Innovative Gamma Auditory Stimulation System for Older Adults With Cognitive Decline: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study (Study 1)
Run by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT07087951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a 40 Hz auditory stimulation device can help improve thinking skills in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Taoyuan, Guishan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | November 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | August 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07087951 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 60 with MMSE ≤ 24 and CDR scores of 0.5 or 1 who consent to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with other major neurological or psychiatric conditions, or with impairments that interfere with testing, may not benefit from the intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will compare active 40 Hz gamma auditory stimulation to a sham device in adults over 60 with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. The study measures cognitive function, EEG activity, sleep quality, and quality of life to see if the auditory stimulus can modulate brain rhythms and cognitive performance. Safety and tolerability are monitored throughout the intervention. The approach aims to address limitations seen with other gamma stimulation methods by using an auditory modality that may be more practical for daily use. The project is led by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital with site coordination at Chang Gung University in Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in cognitive function and quality of life, along with measurable changes in gamma brain activity.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests gamma-frequency stimulation can influence brain rhythms and cognition, but evidence for independent 40 Hz auditory stimulation in humans is limited and this study addresses that gap.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age over 60 years old. 2. MMSE≤ 24 3. CDR scores of 0.5 and 1 4. Voluntary to sign the Informed Consent Form. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of other psychiatric or neurological disorders 2. Drug or alcohol addictions. 3. Serious heart, liver or kidney disorders, and visual, auditory or motor impairments interfering with neuropsychological tests. 4. History of clinical stroke, major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder according to the DSM-5.
Where it's running
-
Chang Gung University
Taoyuan, Guishan, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Chia-Hsiung Cheng, Ph.D.
- Email: ch.cheng@mail.cgu.edu.tw
- Phone: +886-3-211800
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.