Magnetic brain stimulation for Alzheimer's disease
Efficacy and Safety of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease and Exploration of Glymphatic Mechanisms
NA · Fujian Medical University Union Hospital · NCT07324161
This trial will test whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 66 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fujian Medical University Union Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Fuzhou, Fujian) |
| Trial ID | NCT07324161 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial compares active rTMS with a sham rTMS procedure in people who have biomarker-confirmed mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Clinical efficacy and safety will be tracked using cognitive measures and monitoring for adverse events. TMS-EEG and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) will be recorded to probe synaptic plasticity and neurovascular coupling. The study aims to connect any clinical changes to mechanistic signals related to glymphatic regulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (CDR 1–2) who meet 2018 NIA‑AA and DSM‑5 criteria and have positive amyloid or other AD biomarkers, and who have no contraindications to rTMS.
Not a fit: Patients with severe Alzheimer's disease, a history of epilepsy, major contraindications to rTMS, or non‑AD dementias are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, rTMS could offer a noninvasive treatment option that improves symptoms or slows decline and sheds light on how brain clearance systems affect Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small rTMS trials in dementia have shown mixed but sometimes modest cognitive benefits, while using TMS-EEG, fNIRS and glymphatic-focused measures together is a relatively novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meets the 2018 NIA-AA diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD) * Meets DSM-5 diagnostic criteria * Mild to moderate disease severity (CDR Global Score 1 to 2) * Evidence of AD pathology: positive amyloid PET OR positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers OR positive plasma AD biomarkers Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to rTMS treatment * Severe complications or immune diseases * Unable to cooperate with study procedures * History of epilepsy
Where this trial is running
Fuzhou, Fujian
- rTMS — Fuzhou, Fujian, China (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xiaodong Pan
- Email: panxd@fjmu.edu.cn
- Phone: 13395080173
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer s Disease