Deep Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) for Alzheimer's Disease
This study is exploring if a treatment called deep repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to a specific brain area (the precuneus) can help improve memory in people with Alzheimer's disease. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain cells. Researchers want to see if this treatment is safe, well-tolerated, and if it shows signs of improving memory. You may be able to join if you are between 60 and 100 years old, have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, and have a caregiver who can come with you to study visits. The study aims to enroll 54 participants. The current status of the study is unclear.
- Study design
- This interventional study plans to enroll 54 participants. It compares active rTMS treatment to a sham (inactive) rTMS treatment.
- What's involved
- Participants will receive rTMS stimulation over five weeks. They will need to attend study visits with a caregiver.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- The primary endpoint, completion rate, is measured from enrollment to the end of treatment after 5 weeks.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
NCT06597942
Deep Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) of the Precuneus for Alzheimer Disease (AD)
Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 60+InterventionalUniversity of California, Los AngelesInvestigator-initiated
~54 participants
Updated 2026-01-21 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:TMSTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation Sham
At a glance
Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Completion Rate
Measured over From enrollment to the end of treatment after 5 weeks
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesCalifornia1
Study leadership
- Michael Leuchter, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, Los Angeles
Who to contact
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?
Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion
Age 60-100 at the start of the study
Established diagnosis of Alzheimer's Clinical Syndrome (which is also met through a diagnosis of Alzheimer's Dementia)
Agreement to participate in study and able to complete informed consent process
Have a caregiver/study partner who can accompany them to all study visits
Have a known alternate surrogate decision-maker (in case needed) who can accompany them to the informed consent visit (this person may be the study partner mentioned above)
Screening MMSE score of 18-26
Screening GDS score \<6
Either 1) treated with memory-enhancing medication (cholinesterase inhibitor) for at least 2 months, 2) failed trial with no plan to re-trial, or 3) no trial planned during the course of the study for other reasons
No change in use of psychotropic medication for the treatment of depression, anxiety, ADHD, or psychosis for 2 weeks prior to the study
Exclusion
Participant and/or their surrogate are unwilling or unable to provide informed consent
Currently pregnant or potentially pregnant
Diagnosis of a dementia or cognitive disorder due to a cause other than Alzheimer's Disease
Diagnosis of severe Dementia (CDR \> 2.0) at the start of the study
History of substance use disorder currently not in sustained remission
Substance misuse within the past 6 months (excluding nicotine or caffeine)
History of stroke, traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness, or other major neurologic disorder (e.g., epilepsy, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease)
History of seizure disorder or family history of seizure disorder in a first-degree relative
Poorly-controlled hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or cerebrovascular disease
History of any other major active medical, neurologic, or psychiatric illness affecting cognition (associated with cognitive impairment) or a participant's ability to safely and meaningfully participate in the study
Non-fluent in English (not native or functionally-native)
Contraindication to TMS or MRI including claustrophobia, MRI-incompatible or unknown metal in body (including facial tattoos with uknown or metallic inks), surgery within 60 days, certain implants (excluding dental fillings), or previous abnormal MRI results.
Has previous history of TMS treatment in the past (not TMS naïve)
Currently enrolled in a memory-enhancement study
Alteration in cognitive-enhancement medication dose within the past 2 months or active plans for dose alteration during the course of the study (previously unplanned changes that occur during the study will be examined on a case-by-case basis)
History of treatment with lecanemab, aducanumab, donanemab, or other monoclonal antibody treatment for Alzheimer's Disease (due to lack of knowledge surrounding the impacts of these treatments)
Currently or within the past 2 weeks taking any of the following classes of medication:
Anticholinergic (e.g., tolterodine, benztropine)
Sedating antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
any drug that has significant anticholinergic or antihistaminic side effects (e.g., tricyclic antidepressant medications, mirtazapine).
Benzodiazepines. While not a strict rule out, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis
Antiepileptic agents. While not a strict rule out, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis
Antipsychotic agents. While not a strict rule out, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis
What this trial measures
- Completion RateFrom enrollment to the end of treatment after 5 weeks
The percentage/fraction of participants who complete the full course of study treatment