Not Yet RecruitingPhase 2

Glymphatic Function TMS Study

20 participantsStarted 2026-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in older adults to impact the glymphatic system. The glymphatic system is a brain-wide clearance pathway that plays a crucial role in removing dysfunctional proteins in Alzheimer's disease. This project aims to investigate if TMS can help glymphatic function and reduce levels of these proteins in those with mild cognitive impairment.

Who can participate

Age range

50 Years – 85 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: Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI Group) Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-85 years * MCI subjective criteria: self- or informant-reported cognitive complaint * Objective cognitive impairment supported by one of the following measures of general cognitive function: (a) classified as MCI via the NACC-UDS 3.0 neuropsychological battery using the typical neuropsychological criteria for MCI diagnosis (1 score on any test at least1.5 SD below the mean); or (b) classified as MCI via the NACC-UDS 3.0 neuropsychological battery using the Jak/Bondi neuropsychological criteria for MCI diagnosis(2 scores at least 1 SD below the mean in one domain, or 3 scores at least 1SD below the mean across domains) * Right-handed * English speaking * Able to attend daily intervention and outcome measurements for \~15 days over a 6 month period. * Not enrolled in another interventional study within 6 months prior to beginning this study Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) * Reported sudden or steep decline of cognitive performance * Telephone Interview for cognitive impairment (TICS) score * Other neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, head injuries, or multiple sclerosis) * Psychiatric disorder (except stable late-life depression due to its high prevalence in MCI individuals) * Current cancer treatment or other comorbid/unstable medical conditions that might independently affect cognit…

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.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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.

What they're measuring

NIH Toolbox

Timeframe: Day 1(baseline for block 1), Day 14(post block 1), Day 70 (Baseline block 2), Day 84 (post block 2)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07192913

SponsorUniversity of Arizona

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-07

Contact for this trial

Reyna Hickey

520-626-7755 reynah@arizona.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Mild Cognitive Impairment trials