Effects of magnetic stimulation on sleep and cognition in Alzheimer's patients
Official title: Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Sleep and Cognitive Function in Patients With Alzheimer's Disease: a Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Study
Run by First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University · NCT06385106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a type of magnetic treatment can improve sleep and thinking skills in people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 55 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 16, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2025 |
| Study ends | January 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06385106 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are right-handed individuals aged 55-80 with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and stable treatment for at least three months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of seizures, stroke, or other significant nervous system diseases may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on sleep quality and cognitive function in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Participants will receive either real or sham rTMS treatment applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex over a five-day period, with follow-up assessments at one and three months. The study aims to explore the role of the glymphatic system in mediating the relationship between sleep and cognitive function, utilizing neuropsychological testing, polysomnography, and magnetic resonance imaging as primary outcome measures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve cognitive function and sleep quality in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive effects of rTMS in Alzheimer's patients, but the specific focus on sleep disorders is less explored.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participant meets 2014 IWG-2 criteria for hippocampal amnestic syndrome, typical of AD, with progressive episodic memory impairment confirmed by neuropsychology. Cerebrospinal fluid markers (Aβ40, Aβ42, T-tau, p-tau) consistent with AD, or AV-45 PET imaging showing significant cortical tracer retention, in line with AD pathophysiology. 2. Age range: 55-80 years. 3. No visual or hearing impairment. 4. Right-handed. 5. Han nationality. 6. Signed informed consent. 7. Reliable caregivers as information providers. 8. MMSE score: 10-27; CDR: 0.5-2 points. 9. If receiving approved AD treatment (e.g., acetylcholinesterase inhibitor or memantine), dose must be stable for ≥3 months prior to screening and unchanged unless medically necessary. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of seizures or epilepsy diagnosis; 2. Stroke history; 3. Nervous system diseases causing brain dysfunction (schizophrenia, severe anxiety/depression, dementia, Huntington's, brain tumors, Parkinson's, metabolic encephalopathy, encephalitis, MS, epilepsy, brain trauma, hydrocephalus); 4. Severe liver/kidney/lung dysfunction, anemia, gastrointestinal disease, arrhythmia, recent MI; 5. Barbiturate/benzodiazepine use within 2 weeks; 6. MRI/TMS contraindications (metallic implants); 7. Systemic diseases causing cognitive impairment (hypothyroidism, folate/B12 deficiency, infections, alcohol/drug abuse); 8. Aphasia, consciousness disturbance, inability to cooperate; 9. TMS/tDCS/DBS has been processed; 10. Underlying pathology other than AD; 11. Focal brain lesions on T1/T2 images; 12. Refusal to sign informed consent.
Where it's running
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The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guoping Peng, Doctor
- Email: pgpfc@163.com
- Phone: 0571-87235859
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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.