Enhancing cognitive abilities using personalized brain stimulation

Cognitive Enhancement Through Model-based and Individualized Neurostimulation

Not applicable Interventional Washington University School of Medicine · NCT06235970

This study is testing if personalized brain stimulation can improve attention and brain function in healthy adults.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorWashington University School of Medicine Academic / other
Locations1 site (Saint Louis, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT06235970 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) on attentional control and brain dynamics in healthy adults. Participants will undergo various stimulation protocols, including conventional methods and individualized approaches based on a neural model, while their brain activity is monitored using electroencephalography (EEG). The study aims to determine how these stimulation methods influence cognitive performance and whether mathematical models can predict changes in brain activity. By comparing active stimulation with sham stimulation, the researchers hope to gain insights into the effectiveness of personalized tES protocols.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 to 45 who are not taking medications that affect cognitive function.

Not a fit: Patients with medical disorders affecting cognitive or motor function, or those with a history of seizures, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive enhancement techniques for healthy individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using tES for cognitive enhancement, but this approach of personalized stimulation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy younger adults (ages 18 to 45). Community-living men, women or non-binary, aged 18-45

Exclusion criteria:

* Taking psychotropic medication or medication with cognitive side effects
* Medical disorder that affects cognitive or motor function
* Past/present head injury associated with loss of consciousness or neurological sequelae
* Prior occurrence of seizure of any origin
* Skin conditions affecting the scalp
* Scalp tattoos
* Rashes, sores or open wounds on scalp or face

Where this trial is running

Saint Louis, Missouri

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Transcranial Electrical StimulationtES, EEG
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.