Recruiting

Testing sound therapy to help with memory problems in older adults

Plain-English translation of NCT07087951 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 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 whether 40 Hz auditory stimulation — a type of specially designed sound — can help improve memory, thinking skills, and brain activity in older adults with mild cognitive decline or early dementia. Researchers have found that this sound therapy works well in animal studies and may be easier and more practical to use than similar light-based treatments. The study will compare how well this sound therapy works compared to a placebo sound, and will measure changes in brain activity, sleep quality, and overall quality of life.

Previous research showed that similar light-based brain stimulation can help with memory and thinking, but it has limitations — it can cause eye discomfort, may trigger seizures in some people, and is hard to use every day. This study explores whether this same type of treatment delivered as sound instead of light could be more practical, comfortable, and easier for people to use at home over the long term.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are over 60 years old
you have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia
you score 24 or below on a standard memory screening test
you are willing to sign an informed consent form and participate in the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with other psychiatric or neurological disorders
you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction
you have serious heart, liver, or kidney disease, or significant hearing, vision, or movement problems
you have had a stroke, major depression, or persistent low mood

What participation looks like

You would be randomly assigned to listen to either the specialized 40 Hz sound combined with music, or a control sound combined with music. Over the study period, you would listen to your assigned sound regularly — the exact schedule will be explained at enrollment. You would also complete memory and thinking tests, have your brain activity measured with EEG recordings, report on your sleep quality and daily functioning, and possibly have other assessments to see if the treatment is helping.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 20, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Taiwan

Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Guishan