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Brain stimulation to improve thinking skills in memory loss

Plain-English translation of NCT05919485 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This study tests a treatment called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — a gentle, noninvasive way to stimulate specific areas of the brain using small electrical currents. Researchers want to see if this treatment can help improve thinking, memory, and cognitive skills in people who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, either related to Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease. The study will compare real stimulation to a sham (fake) treatment and measure changes over 14 days and 3 months.

Many people with Parkinson's disease or early memory loss experience decline in thinking and memory skills, and current treatments have limited ability to reverse these changes. This trial explores whether tDCS — which is portable, affordable, and easy to use — might offer a new way to help preserve or restore cognitive function in these patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 45 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment due to Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease
you are literate and able to read and write
you have been on stable medication for at least one month
you are able to undergo brain imaging scans and brain stimulation safely

You likely don't qualify if…

you have other neurological diseases, serious psychiatric conditions, or a history of head trauma
you have untreated or severe hearing or vision loss
you have medical conditions that would make brain imaging unsafe, such as certain implants or metal in your body
you have signs of advanced dementia (for the Parkinson's disease group)
you have uncontrolled medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

What participation looks like

You would visit the hospital for 10 brain stimulation sessions over 14 days — usually about 5 sessions per week, with each session lasting 20 minutes. During each session, small electrodes are placed on your scalp to deliver a gentle electrical current to specific brain areas; you'll feel only mild tingling. You'll also complete thinking and memory tests at the start, after 2 weeks, and again 3 months later, and may have brain imaging scans (MRI and EEG) to measure changes in brain activity.

Brain stimulation to improve thinking skills in memory loss

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)