Non-invasive deep brain stimulation to try to improve working memory in older adults
Official title: Non-invasive Stimulation of Deep Brain Structures to Modulate Working Memory
Run by Masaryk University · NCT07560904 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether gentle, non-invasive electrical stimulation aimed at deep brain regions can improve working memory, attention, and everyday thinking in healthy older adults and people with mild cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Masaryk University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brno) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | July 2026 |
| Study ends | July 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07560904 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are adults aged 60–85 who either have normal cognitive screening or meet Level II criteria for mild cognitive impairment related to Lewy body disease or Parkinson's disease, and who are eligible for MRI and non-invasive stimulation.
✕Probably not a fit
People with major psychiatric disorders, major vascular lesions or other brain pathologies that could cause cognitive decline, advanced dementia, or those unable to undergo MRI or brain stimulation are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The protocol combines MRI imaging with transcranial temporal interference stimulation targeted to the striatum, using active stimulation at 20 Hz and 60 Hz and a control condition. Participants include healthy older adults (60–85) and people meeting Level II criteria for mild cognitive impairment related to Lewy body or Parkinson's disease. Cognitive outcomes focus on working memory, attention, and executive functions relevant to daily activities, with concurrent imaging to track neural activity and target engagement. The goal is to clarify mechanisms of deep non-invasive stimulation and inform whether this approach could be developed as a future therapeutic option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a non-surgical way to improve memory, attention, and daily functioning for older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Temporal interference stimulation of deep brain targets is a novel approach with limited human data, while other non-invasive brain stimulation methods (like TMS or tDCS) have produced mixed and generally modest results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * normal cognitive performance as assessed by a cognitive screening for healthy subjects * possible or probable MCI-LB or with PD-MCI, collectively called MCI-LBD, described as: presence of PD , and level II criteria for MCI (i.e. based on comprehensive neuropsychological examination), or the level II criteria for MCI , and at least two of four core DLB features including parkinsonism, visual hallucinations, attention/cognitive function fluctuation, and REM sleep behavioral disorder, or at least 1 core clinical feature and 1 indicative biomarker (probable MCI-LB). Exclusion Criteria: * Psychiatric disorders including major depression, major vascular lesions, or other brain pathologies that might present with cognitive decline.
Where it's running
-
CEITEC Masaryk University
Brno, Czechia Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Monika Pupíková
- Email: monika.pupikova@ceitec.muni.cz
- Phone: +420549498818
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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.