NCT03574207 · University of Nebraska
Targeted Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to Improve Hippocampal-dependent Declarative Memory Abilities
What this study is about
This is a pilot study of non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to improve memory in healthy adults. It will also examine treating memory deficits in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition that frequently precedes Alzheimer's disease (AD).
View original scientific description
This is a pilot study of non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to improve memory in healthy adults. It will also examine treating memory deficits in older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a condition that frequently precedes Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study will test whether a form of non-invasive brain stimulation repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve memory abilities in healthy young adults, healthy older adults, and older adults with aMCI by retuning memory-related brain networks. This study is a key first step which will support the long-term goal of treating memory deficits in neurological patients. It is expected that rTMS will improve memory abilities in all participants, and that the improvements in memory will be attributable to changes in the connectivity of memory-related brain networks.
Interventions
DEVICE
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation non-invasively applies very small amounts of electrical current to brain tissue; sham stimulation uses the same approach but applies little or no actual stimulation to the brain by using less power or greater distance between the head and the stimulator.
Primary outcome measures
Changes in memory performance measured with the number of studied face-word associations recalled
Time frame: Potential changes will be assessed after each one-week rTMS treatment period. Results will be reported at the end of the study (approximately one year).
The investigators will measure memory performance before and after treatment to determine whether performance differs as a result of treatment. The main task will be a face-word association task in which participants will study a list of faces paired with single words. After a short delay, one studied face will be presented at a time, and participants will be prompted to recall the word associated with the face. The number of correct face-word associations recalled is the dependent measure.
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
- Adults 19 years of age and older
- Healthy adults without history of psychiatric or neurological disease OR previous diagnosis of amnestic MCI
- Must be able to provide informed consent
- Must have the ability to comply with basic instructions and have the ability to sit comfortably still for TMS, neuroimaging, and other study procedures.
- Right-handed based on self-report (pre-screening) and evaluation with a standard test.
Exclusion criteria
- Individuals who have ferrous metal implanted in their body (other than in their teeth) or any other non-removable medical and/or metallic implant
- Individuals who have increased intracranial pressure
- Individuals who have any major medical illness (e.g., cancer, HIV+, hepatitis, heart disease)
- Individuals who have confounding/dual diagnoses (e.g., comorbid mental illness and substance use disorder)
- Individuals with current diagnoses of alcohol or substance abuse/dependence
- Individuals with epilepsy, any history of seizures, or using medication that lowers seizure threshold
- Individuals with any neurological disorder other than aMCI (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury)
- Pregnant females --- as determined by urine pregnancy test --- will be excluded from this study due to uncertainty of the effects of MRI and TMS on the fetus
- Not right-handed based on self-report (pre-screening) or evaluation with a standard test
- Not a native English speaker.
Where
- Omaha, Nebraska
Related conditions & keywords
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 Mar 25, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations