Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 45 and up

Stimulating the aging brain with brain and sensory stimulation for language), wait

Official title: Stimulating the Aging Brain: Noninvasive Brain and Sensory Stimulation Strategies in Aging

Run by Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT07650188 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) and multisensory stimulation can improve verbal short-term memory in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages45 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 1, 2026
Main results expectedMay 30, 2031
Study endsMay 30, 2035
Registry record updatedJune 16, 2026
Trial IDNCT07650188 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults with a clinical diagnosis of PPA (or closely related cognitive status) who can undergo MRI and do not have contraindications to brain stimulation or MRI.

Probably not a fit

Patients with dementia at baseline, significant neurological or psychiatric conditions, or MRI/stimulation contraindications may not benefit.

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

What this trial studies

This is a proof-of-concept pilot study that uses tACS and multisensory stimulation in people with Primary Progressive Aphasia to see if language-related memory can be improved. Participants undergo EEG and MRI to guide brain stimulation, plus a few brief language tasks before, during, and after stimulation across three sessions. The study compares active tACS to sham stimulation and measures verbal short-term memory performance to identify any effects and sources of variability. Results will help refine hypotheses for future trials aiming to slow language decline in PPA.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants might experience improvements in verbal memory or related language tasks during or after stimulation.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work with brain stimulation in language disorders has shown mixed but promising signals, making this an exploratory, novel approach for PPA.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical exam supports diagnosis of PPA and/or MCI with no report of difficulty functioning in basic or instrumental activities of daily living.
* Completed clinical cognitive exam within 6 months of study baseline visit OR neuropsychological research battery within 6 months of study baseline visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Evidence of dementia at baseline
* Known history of neoplasm, symptomatic stroke, moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, or other significant neurologic event
* Age \<45 years.
* Evidence of severe psychiatric illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia).
* Presence of cardiac stimulators or pacemakers
* Any other implants near the scalp or in the eye
* Contraindications to MRI or stimulation
* Pregnancy
* History of ongoing or unmanaged seizures
* History of dyslexia or other developmental learning disabilities

Where it's running

  • Medical College of Wisconsin
    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Priyanka Shah-Basak, PhD — Medical College of Wisconsin
  • Study coordinator: Sidney Schoenrock, MA
  • Email: sschoenrock@mcw.edu
  • Phone: 414-955-7579

Similar studies

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.