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Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Thinking Abilities

This study is exploring how gentle electrical stimulation to the ear, called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), might improve thinking abilities like decision-making and problem-solving. We are looking for healthy adults and people with Parkinson's disease (PD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) between 18 and 65 years old to participate. The main goal is to see if taVNS is safe, by tracking any side effects (adverse events) for up to 6 months. This research aims to understand if stimulating the vagus nerve in this way could be a helpful approach for brain function. The study status is currently unclear, and we plan to enroll 80 participants.

Study design
This is a pilot study involving 80 participants, including healthy adults and people with Parkinson's disease. Participants will receive either active vagus nerve stimulation or a sham (inactive) stimulation.
What's involved
Participants will receive treatment for up to 6 months. The study will track adverse events from enrollment until the end of treatment.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for adverse events from enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 months.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07424365

Study to Investigate Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Augment Executive Function in Healthy and Cognitively Impaired Populations

Recruiting
NAAges 18–65InterventionalTreatment
University of Colorado, Denver
~80 participants
Updated 2026-02-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulationsham stimulation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Lack of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs)
Measured over From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 months

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Parkinsons Disease (PD)
Healthy Adult

Explore related trials

Healthy AdultMild cognitive disorderParkinson Disease

NCT07424365

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Clinical Translational Research Center at CU Anschutz

    Aurora, Coloradostudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Cristin Welle, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Dept. of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Who to contact

Elise R Carter
[email protected]
3094335932
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

What this trial measures

  • Lack of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs)From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 months

    a lack of AEs and SAEs during the paired-taVNS intervention