TMS for Cognitive Decline in Aging and Preclinical AD (NCT06956300) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
TMS for Cognitive Decline in Aging and Preclinical AD
United States80 participantsStarted 2025-04-07
Plain-language summary
In this research study we want to learn more about the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on motivation, memory, and brain-network function in cognitively unimpaired older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
This study will use a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). rTMS will slightly alter activity in an area of your brain that controls cognition. Changes resulting from this stimulation will be measured with behavioral tests, as well as by taking brain images with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Participants will come in for one baseline visit followed by 10 days of daily rTMS study visits (Monday through Friday) and an evaluation visit. Then, there will be a 2-week break. After this break, they will return for another baseline visit, an additional 10 days of rTMS, and a final evaluation visit.
Who can participate
Age range
40 Years – 99 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Between the ages of 40-99
. Native English speakers
. Willing and able to consent to the protocol and undergo imaging and neuropsychological testing at the specified time points
. Cognitively normal older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease will be included.
Exclusion criteria
. History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or alteration in consciousness
. Another major neurologic or psychiatric condition
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial uses TMS — transcranial magnetic stimulation — to stimulate the brain in people with preclinical or prodromal Alzheimer's disease; can you help me understand what the known risks of TMS are for someone at my stage of cognitive concern, and whether my current health situation makes this safe to try?
2Since this study is listed as Phase NA, which often means it's exploratory or feasibility-focused rather than a later-stage efficacy trial, what does that mean for how much we can expect to learn about whether TMS actually helps slow memory decline versus just measuring brain changes?
3The trial is measuring changes in motivation, brain network connectivity, and memory — but not necessarily treating disease — so is it worth discussing whether I should pursue any standard-of-care evaluations or interventions first before enrolling in a research study like this?
4Given that this trial includes both healthy aging participants and people with preclinical Alzheimer's disease, how would my doctor help me understand which category I fall into, and does that distinction affect what I might personally gain or risk by participating?
5If I were to take part in this trial, how often would I need to come in for TMS sessions and brain assessments, and is that level of time commitment realistic given my current situation and other medical appointments?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g. tumor, cortical infarct)
. Any contraindication to MRI, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body
. Longstanding premorbid history (i.e. longer than 10 years) of alcohol or substance abuse with continuous abuse up to and including the time that the symptoms leading to clinical presentation developed
. Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the study protocol.
. Unwilling to return for follow-up, undergo neuropsychological testing, TMS, and MR imaging
. History of unprovoked seizures (i.e., seizures that occur in the absence of a clear provocation such as hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, etc.).