Low-intensity focused ultrasound to see if it can boost thinking in healthy adults
Cognition and Ultrasound
This trial will use low-intensity focused ultrasound on deep brain targets to see if it can improve thinking and memory in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT07220655 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-site interventional trial uses low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) to noninvasively target deep brain regions while participants undergo brain imaging and cognitive testing. Healthy adults who can complete MRI scans and are not taking psychoactive medications will receive LIFU sessions and standardized tests of attention, memory, and other cognitive functions. Participants with neurological disorders, most psychiatric diagnoses, pregnancy, or MRI contraindications are excluded to reduce risk and variability. The goal is to link changes in brain activity measured by fMRI with any short-term changes in cognitive performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who speak English, are healthy with no neurologic disorder, are not taking psychoactive medications, are not pregnant, and can safely undergo MRI are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with neurological disorders, most psychiatric diagnoses, those taking psychoactive medications, pregnant people, or anyone unable to have an MRI may not receive benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could point to a noninvasive way to temporarily improve certain aspects of thinking and memory or guide future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Early pilot studies have shown LIFU can modulate brain activity, but clear and consistent cognitive benefits in humans remain preliminary and unproven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Speak English (as assessed by their ability to read/answer survey questions) * May be required to score in the appropriate range on self-report measures Exclusion Criteria: * They have a neurological disorder which may impact their fMRI scan or cause their reaction to LIFU to differ from that of healthy adults. * They take any psychoactive medication. * They are unable to undergo fMRI scanning due to a contraindication such as claustrophobia, unremovable piercings, pregnancy, the presence of medical devices such as pacemakers, or a movement or sleep disorder. * Are pregnant, or may have reason to believe that they are pregnant. * They have a diagnosis of a psychiatric condition other than depression or anxiety
Where this trial is running
Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael Bronstein — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Miriam Freedman
- Email: mfreedma@umn.edu
- Phone: tel:612-625-3330
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.