Accelerated rTMS for Cognitive Function in adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment
Official title: Clinical and Neurophysiological Effects of Accelerated rTMS on Cognitive Function: A Prospective Pilot Study
Run by San Francisco Neurology and Sleep Center · NCT07547319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a short course of accelerated rTMS with the EXOMIND device can improve thinking skills in adults ages 50–90 with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | San Francisco Neurology and Sleep Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07547319 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Individuals aged 50–90 with documented cognitive decline (MoCA 10–25 or MCI/mild dementia) who can provide informed consent and have stable cognitive-enhancing medications.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairment beyond the study's MoCA range or those unable to tolerate non-invasive brain stimulation may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study uses high-frequency rTMS delivered via the EXOMIND device to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Participants receive six sessions over about three weeks, with assessments up to three months to see if global and domain-specific cognitive functions improve and are sustained. Eligible adults aged 50–90 with MoCA scores 10–25 or clinical diagnosis of MCI/mild dementia may enroll, provided they meet safety criteria and can consent. The trial aims to address gaps in accessibility and monitoring by using a brief, non-invasive treatment with tolerability as a key outcome. Results will help determine if this approach offers meaningful cognitive benefits beyond standard care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improvements in memory, executive function, and overall cognition with a non-drug, tolerable treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior analyses suggest rTMS can produce medium-to-large cognitive gains in MCI and early dementia, though protocols vary and long-term benefits require further confirmation.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Each potential subject must satisfy all of the following criteria to be enrolled in the study: * Subject must be 50 to 90 years of age, inclusive, on the day of signing informed consent. * Documented cognitive function decline, defined as: MoCA score of 10 to 25, inclusive (indicating mild to moderate cognitive impairment), OR Clinical diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia based on established DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. * Ability to provide written informed consent, or availability of a legally authorized representative to provide consent. * Subject must sign an ICF indicating that he or she understands the purpose of, and procedures required for, the study and is willing to participate in the study. * Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to complete cognitive assessments. * Stable doses of any cognitive-enhancing medications (e.g., cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine) for at least 4 weeks prior to screening, with no anticipated changes during the study period. * Availability and willingness to complete all scheduled study visits. * Presence of a reliable study partner or caregiver who can provide information about the participant's cognitive and functional status. * Ability to determine the motor threshold of the participant. The participant's motor threshold could be established as the minimum stimulus required to induce contraction of the right thumb. * Subjects willing and able to abstain from partaking in any treatments other than the study procedure for the improvement in cognitive function, including non-invasive brain stimulation treatments other than the study procedure during study participation. * Subjects willing and able to maintain their regular (pre-procedure) diet and exercise regimen without affecting significant change in either direction during study participation. * Willingness to comply with study instructions and to return to the clinic for the required visits. * Women of child-bearing potential are required to use birth control measures during the whole duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: Any potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participating in the study: * Electronic implants in or near the head - rTMS devices are contraindicated for use in patients who have active or inactive implants in or near the head including device leads, deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, ocular implants, and vagus nerve stimulators, implanted devices such as cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, and neurostimulators. * Metallic, ferromagnetic, or other magnetic-sensitive implants/objects in or near the head - rTMS devices are contraindicated for use in patients who have conductive, ferromagnetic, or other magnetic-sensitive metals implanted in their head (with some exceptions in the mouth - see Operator's Manual) or within 12 inches (30 cm) of the therapy coil. Examples include implanted electrodes/stimulators, aneurysm clips or coils, stents, bullet fragments, jewelry, hair barrettes, and tattoos with metallic ink. * Drug pumps within 12 inches (30 cm) of the therapy coil. * Inability to determine the motor threshold of the participant (i.e., the minimum stimulus required to induce contraction of the right thumb cannot be established). * History of seizure disorder or epilepsy, except for a single remote seizure more than 5 years ago, which may be permitted at investigator discretion. * Elevated risk of seizure due to traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness \>30 minutes within the past 12 months. * Current use of medications known to significantly lower seizure threshold (e.g., clozapine, bupropion at doses \>450 mg/day, theophylline, high-dose tricyclic antidepressants) or recent dose reduction of anticonvulsant medications or benzodiazepines within 4 weeks of screening. * Severe dementia, defined as MoCA score below 10, or inability to follow simple verbal commands or complete basic cognitive assessments. * Rapidly progressive dementia (e.g., suspected prion disease, autoimmune encephalitis). * Brain tumor, intracranial hemorrhage within the past 12 months, arteriovenous malformation, or increased intracranial pressure. * Acute stroke within the past 3 months (stable chronic stroke with cognitive sequelae may be included at investigator discretion). * Has a current diagnosis of psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or other psychiatric condition that, in the investigator's opinion, would interfere with the subject's ability to participate in the trial. * Has a current or recent history of serious suicidal ideation within the past 6 months, corresponding to a positive response on item 4 (active suicidal ideation with some intent to act, without specific plan) or item 5 (active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent) on the C-SSRS, or a history of suicidal behavior within the past year, as validated by the C-SSRS at screening. * History of substance or alcohol use disorder of moderate to severe severity according to DSM-5 criteria within 6 months before screening, or positive test result(s) for drugs of abuse (including opiates, cocaine, cannabinoids, methamphetamines, amphetamines) at screening. * Has history of or current clinically significant and/or unstable medical condition that could interfere with study participation or pose safety concerns, including but not limited to: Moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Score ≥7) Severe renal impairment (estimated creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min or serum creatinine \>2 mg/dL) Unstable cardiac, vascular, or pulmonary disease Note: Subjects with chronic but stable, well-controlled conditions may be allowed in the study upon agreement with the investigator. * Has uncontrolled hypertension (systolic blood pressure \>160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure \>100 mm Hg, despite diet, exercise, or a stable dose of antihypertensive therapy) at screening. A subject with hypertension may be included if the subject's hypertension has been controlled for at least 3 months prior to screening, and the dosage of any antihypertensive medication has been stable for the past 3 months. * Has clinically significant ECG abnormalities at screening, defined as: QTc interval (Fridericia's formula): ≥450 msec (males); ≥470 msec (females) Evidence of 2nd or 3rd degree atrioventricular block, or 1st degree atrioventricular block with PR interval \>210 msec Left bundle branch block Features of new ischemia Other clinically important arrhythmia Note: Subjects with right bundle branch block may be allowed provided confirmation that right bundle branch block is not associated with underlying cardiac/lung diseases. \- Has a known malignancy or history of malignancy within 5 years before screening (exceptions are squamous and basal cell carcinomas of the skin and carcinoma in situ of the cervix, or malignancy that, in the opinion of the investigator, is considered cured with minimal risk of recurrence). Had clinically significant acute illness within 7 days prior to study rTMS treatment. \- Had major surgery (e.g., requiring general anesthesia) within 2 weeks before screening, or will not have fully recovered from surgery, or has surgery planned during the time the subject is expected to participate in the study. Note: Subjects with planned surgical procedures to be conducted under local anesthesia may participate. * Is pregnant or breastfeeding while enrolled in this study or within 1 month after the last session of study rTMS treatment. * Has received an investigational drug or used an invasive investigational medical device within 3 months before screening, or is currently enrolled in an investigational study. * Prior treatment with rTMS within 6 months of screening. * Subjects willing to partake in any treatments other than the study procedure for the improvement in cognitive function, including non-invasive brain stimulation treatments other than the study procedure, during study participation. * Has psychological and/or emotional problems which would render the informed consent invalid, or limit the ability of the subject to comply with the study requirements. * Has any condition for which, in the opinion of the investigator, participation would not be in the best interest of the subject (e.g., compromise the well-being) or that could prevent, limit, or confound the protocol-specified assessments. * Is an employee of the investigator or study site, with direct involvement in the proposed study or other studies under the direction of that investigator or study site, as well as family members of the employees or the investigator. NOTE: Investigators should ensure that all study enrollment criteria have been met at screening. If a subject's clinical status changes after screening but before the first rTMS treatment session such that he or she no longer meets all eligibility criteria, then the subject should be excluded from participation in the study.
Where it's running
-
San Francisco Neurology and Sleep Center
San Francisco, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Joy Shihui Meng, MD
- Email: joymengmd@sf-neurology.com
- Phone: 415-666-2536
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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.