Recruiting

Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Early to Moderate Memory Loss

Plain-English translation of NCT06923007 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2025 · Translation generated June 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 study is testing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)—a surgical procedure that implants a small device to gently stimulate a major nerve in your neck—as a potential treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Researchers want to see whether this treatment can help improve memory, thinking, mood, and daily functioning compared to a sham (fake) version of the procedure. You would receive the implant and then be randomly assigned to either active stimulation or sham stimulation for 6 months while continuing your regular Alzheimer's medications.

Current medications for Alzheimer's disease have limited benefits for many people. This trial explores whether vagus nerve stimulation might offer a new way to slow cognitive decline and improve quality of life in people with early to moderate memory loss.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 50 and 80 years old
you have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease according to current diagnostic standards
you have been stable on your current Alzheimer's medications for at least 1 month and plan to stay on them throughout the study
you are willing to undergo surgery to have the stimulation device implanted
you can attend multiple follow-up visits over 6 months and complete memory and thinking assessments

You likely don't qualify if…

you have dementia caused by something other than Alzheimer's disease, such as stroke, infection, Parkinson's disease, or head injury
you have serious heart, liver, kidney, or other major medical conditions that could affect your safety or ability to complete the study
you have had cancer in the past 5 years (except certain minor skin cancers)
you have a history of severe mental illness, schizophrenia, or current suicidal thoughts
you have a history of significant alcohol or drug abuse in the past 2 years

What participation looks like

You would first undergo screening tests including medical exams, memory assessments, blood work, and brain imaging to confirm you are eligible. If you qualify, you would have surgery to implant the vagus nerve stimulation device. After surgery, you would be randomly assigned to either receive active stimulation or sham stimulation for 6 months. During this time, you would attend clinic visits at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to have your memory, mood, and daily functioning assessed. Some visits may include additional tests like brain scans or blood draws to help researchers understand how the treatment is working.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Early to Moderate Memory Loss

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)