The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive form of brain stimulation, can improve short-term memory in people with early Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study will also evaluate the safety of this approach. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does rTMS applied to the cerebellum improve short-term memory in people with early AD? * How does this stimulation affect brain activity and connectivity measured by MRI? Researchers will compare active rTMS to sham rTMS (a look-alike procedure that does not deliver brain stimulation) to see if rTMS works to improve memory. Participants will: * Complete a screening visit with medical and memory assessments * Be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or sham rTMS (neither participants nor researchers will know the assignment during treatment) * Receive 20 rTMS sessions over 4 weeks (about 20 to 30 minutes per session) * Undergo two MRI scans, one before and one after treatment * Complete memory and thinking tests and questionnaires at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits Participation in the study will last about 6 months. The rTMS is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include mild headache and scalp discomfort during treatment, which are usually short-lasting. MRI is non-invasive and safe for most people. Study procedures will be reviewed to ensure participant safety. Participants may or may not benefit directly from this study. People who receive active rTMS may experience improvement in memory. This research may help improve understanding of memory function in AD and support development of new treatments.
Age range
55 Years – 90 Years
Sex
ALL
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Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
MMSE
Timeframe: immediate, 3-months post rTMS, 6-months post rTMS
Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR)
Timeframe: immediate, 3-months post rTMS, 6-months post rTMS
Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-Cognitive Subscale (ADAS-Cog)
Timeframe: immediate, 3-months post rTMS, 6-months post rTMS
Verbal learning test
Timeframe: immediate, 3-months post rTMS, 6-months post rTMS
Boston Naming Test
Timeframe: immediate, 3-months post rTMS, 6-months post rTMS
Trail making test
Timeframe: immediate, 3-months post rTMS, 6-months post rTMS
Digital Span
Timeframe: immediate, 3-months post rTMS, 6-months post rTMS