Non-invasive brain stimulation to try to improve memory in early Alzheimer's

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This trial investigates whether cerebellar-targeted repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve short-term memory in individuals with early Alzheimer's disease, including mild cognitive impairment due to AD and mild dementia due to AD. Participants are randomly assigned to active or sham rTMS over 4 weeks, with about 20 sessions total and 20 to 30 minutes per session, alongside MRI assessments to examine brain activity and connectivity. The study also monitors safety and tolerability of cerebellar rTMS in this population. Key outcomes include memory performance changes and MRI-based measures of brain networks.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must meet all of the following inclusion criteria to be eligible for enrollment:

* A clinical diagnosis of early AD, defined as either mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD or mild dementia due to AD;
* Evidence of cognitive impairment, characterized by a MMSE score between 20 and 28 and/or a CDR-Sum of Boxes score between 0.5 and 8, consistent with the contemporary definitions used in early AD in clinical trials; and
* Biomarker confirmation of AD pathology, demonstrated by a positive plasma phosphorylated tau-217 (p-tau217) result according to the 2024 National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) diagnostic guidelines.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion criteria include evidence of other neurological, psychiatric, or systemic conditions that could cause cognitive and functional impairments (e.g., substantial concomitant cerebrovascular disease, alcoholism, certain medications that could have a substantial effect on cognition, untreated major depressive disorder, and heart, renal or hepatic failure).
* Individuals who have contraindications to receiving rTMS, including a history of seizures or any non-removable metal in their heads or within 12 inches of the TMS coil will be excluded.

Where it's running

• Baylor College of Medicine
  Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Rory Mahabir, MBA, CCRP
• Email: rory.mahabir@bcm.edu
• Phone: 713-798-5989

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.