Brain Stimulation to Help Memory and Mood Problems in Older Adults

Plain-English translation of NCT05992831 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a treatment called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate a specific area of the brain. The study aims to find the right dose of this treatment to reduce depression and improve cognitive function in people aged 60–85 who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Researchers want to understand how many sessions work best before testing the treatment more widely.

Mild cognitive impairment often comes with depression, and current treatments don't work well for everyone. This study exists to figure out the best dose of this non-invasive brain stimulation so that future trials can be more efficient and help people more quickly.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 60 and 85 years old
you have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment within the past 2 years
you have a history of depression or have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder
your medications have been stable for at least 4 weeks before the study starts
you have a co-participant (like a spouse, adult child, or close friend) who can attend study visits and share information about you
you meet specific neuropsychological testing criteria showing memory or thinking problems

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with dementia or major neurocognitive disorder
you are currently taking anticholinergic or sedative medications daily or weekly
you have significant heart disease, active infections, poorly controlled diabetes, brain cancer, or other serious neurological conditions that might affect cognition
you have an implanted brain stimulation device or other brain implants that would prevent MRI imaging
you are currently enrolled in another clinical trial or have received an investigational medication in the past 30 days

What participation looks like

You would visit the study site 6 days per week for treatment sessions. During each visit, you would receive 10 sessions of magnetic brain stimulation—some real and some sham (fake), so you won't know which is which. The total length of your participation would involve receiving between 0 and 48 active treatment sessions depending on which dose group you're assigned to. Throughout the study, you'll complete memory and mood tests, have blood drawn, and possibly undergo brain imaging to see how the treatment affects your thinking and brain activity.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 17, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina