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 type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 30, 2031 |
| Study ends | May 30, 2035 |
| Registry record updated | June 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07650188 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
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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
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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.