Targeted magnetic stimulation of the precuneus to slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's
Official title: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) to Slow Down Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease (AD): TMSLA - a Monocentric Randomized Controlled Trial.
Run by Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc · NCT07036328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will try repetitive magnetic brain stimulation of the precuneus to see if it slows memory and thinking decline in people aged 50–85 with biomarker-confirmed mild Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 55 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Amsterdam) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 2028 |
| Study ends | July 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07036328 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 50–85 with biomarker-supported Alzheimer's disease, CDR 0.5–1, MMSE 18–27, and an available caregiver who have no contraindicating implants or seizure history are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with other neurodegenerative disorders, active epilepsy, severe psychiatric dysregulation, extensive cerebrovascular damage, or incompatible cranial/metal implants are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
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 randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled replication that delivers repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the precuneus over a treatment period similar to a prior 24-week protocol. Participants receive either active rTMS or sham rTMS while clinical, cognitive, and brain-activity measures are tracked to compare trajectories between groups. Enrollment requires biomarker-supported Alzheimer's disease, CDR 0.5–1 and MMSE 18–27, plus a caregiver to support participation. Key exclusions include other neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, substantial cerebrovascular damage on MRI, and incompatible metal or cranial implants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could slow cognitive decline and stabilize brain activity in early Alzheimer's, potentially delaying loss of daily function.
How similar studies have gone: A prior randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled phase 2 trial targeting the precuneus reported promising results with stable cognition and increased brain activity, so this is a replication and mechanistic follow-up.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Biomarker-supported Alzheimer's disease (abnormal CSF p-tau/Aβ42 ratio of \> 0.023 or amyloid PET positive). * Between 50 and 85 years old. * Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) score of 0.5 or 1. * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 18 and 27. * Presence of a caregiver. Exclusion Criteria: * Medical history of neurodegenerative diseases other than AD, stroke, or epilepsy. * Severe psychiatric dysregulation, hampering successful study participation and leading to possible cognitive impairment. Eligibility for participation will be based on clinical evaluation by an expert neurologist and/or psychiatrist. * Extensive cerebrovascular damage on MRI classified as Fazekas level 2 or 3. Patients with abnormalities classified as Fazekas level 3 are excluded. For Fazekas level 2, patient's eligibility for participation will be evaluated by an expert neurologist. * Presence of metal in the head or cranial/thoracic implants, including cochlear implants. * Cholinesterase inhibitors with unstable dosage in the last 2 months. * Extreme claustrophobia or metallic objects in or on the body, preventing MRI and MEG examination. * Previous rTMS treatment (for blinding reasons).
Where it's running
-
Amsterdam UMC
Amsterdam, Netherlands Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Willem De Haan, PhD
- Email: w.dehaan@amsterdamumc.nl
- Phone: 020-444 8548
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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.