NCT05417555 · University of California, Los Angeles
Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease
(LIFUP-MCIAD)
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to investigate whether Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) targeting a part of the brain involved in memory will have an affect on brain activity and whether it may improve memory in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease. The main questions the study seeks to answer are: 1.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to investigate whether Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) targeting a part of the brain involved in memory will have an affect on brain activity and whether it may improve memory in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer's Disease. The main questions the study seeks to answer are: 1. Can LIFUP increase brain activity in the targeted area? 2. Can LIFUP improve memory in people with MCI and mild AD? 3. Can LIFUP improve connectivity of memory networks in the brain? Participants in this study will complete MRIs and memory testing, and receive Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound to a part of their brain involved in memory (the entorhinal cortex).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Amnestic MCI or Mild Alzheimer's diagnosis
- English-speaking
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Normal or corrected-to-normal hearing and vision
Exclusion criteria
- Participation in another clinical trial
- Active use of immunotherapeutic medications for cognition (Aduhelm, Leqembi, Kisunla)
- Moderate to Severe Alzheimer's
- Inability to provide informed consent MRI-Related:
- Weight exceeding 275 pounds
- Pregnancy, suspicion of pregnancy, or attempting to become pregnant
- Claustrophobia
- Difficulties during previous MRIs
- Top permanent retainer (bottom only is okay), 5 or more non-removable gold-teeth, metal braces, top spacers, and/or palate expanders
- Any of the following implants: Cardiac Pacemaker, Aneurysm clips, Cochlear implants, Defibrillator, Electrodes or wires, Magnetically-activated device, Spinal cord stimulator, Infusion or insulin pumps, Implanted drug infusion device, Deep brain stimulation device
- Non-removable hairpieces, hairpiece extensions, and/or piercings
- Facial tattoos or permanent makeup
- Metal implants that are MR-incompatible, or where participant is unable to provide sufficient information to determine MR compatibility
- Previous injury by metallic foreign body (e.g., bullet, BB, shrapnel) where the object entered the body and participant lacks doctor's confirmation that it was fully removed Medical:
- Diagnosis of one or more of the following neurological disorders: Parkinson's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), Multiple sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy
- Diagnosis of one or more of the following genetic disorders: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Disease
- Diagnosis of one or more of the following psychiatric disorders: Bipolar, Psychosis
- Psychiatric illness that has not been controlled for at least two months (if controlled \>2 months, with or without medication, they are not exclusionary)
- Severe lung, liver, heart, and/or kidney disease/s (e.g., heart failure, liver failure, and etc...)
- Diagnosis of thyroid disorder or change of thyroid medication dose within the last 3 months
- Cancer treatment/s with chemotherapy and/or radiation to head and neck, or stage 4 (metastatic) cancer
- Autoimmune disorder or viral infection such as HIV, COVID 19, or hepatitis C that has caused current problems with cognition/memory
- History of substance abuse in the past year
- History of stroke (Transient ischemic attack / mini-stroke not exclusionary if symptoms lasted \<1 week)
- History of 2 or more seizures or diagnosis of epilepsy, unless the seizures occurred prior to age 5 alongside a fever.
- History of brain tumor, brain aneurysm, brain hemorrhage, or subdural hematoma (transient ischemic attack not exclusionary)
- Head injury that resulted in loss of consciousness lasting \>30 minutes, cognitive issues lasting \>18 months, and/or brain abnormalities visible in CT or MRI scan
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes
- Heart attack within the last year
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations