Actively Recruiting
TMS for Cognitive Decline in Aging and Preclinical AD
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2026-02-20
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
229 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
In this research study we want to learn more about the effects of non-invasive brain stimulation on motivation, memory, and brain-network function in cognitively unimpaired older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. This study will use a form of non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). rTMS will slightly alter activity in an area of your brain that controls cognition. Changes resulting from this stimulation will be measured with behavioral tests, as well as by taking brain images with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Participants will come in for one baseline visit followed by 10 days of daily rTMS study visits (Monday through Friday) and an evaluation visit. Then, there will be a 2-week break. After this break, they will return for another baseline visit, an additional 10 days of rTMS, and a final evaluation visit.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
TMS for Cognitive Decline in Aging and Preclinical AD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between the ages of 40-99
- Native English speakers
- Willing and able to consent to the protocol and undergo imaging and neuropsychological testing at the specified time points
- Cognitively normal older adults and individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease will be included.
You will not qualify if you...
- History of head trauma involving loss of consciousness or alteration in consciousness
- Another major neurologic or psychiatric condition
- Known presence of a structural brain lesion (e.g. tumor, cortical infarct)
- Any contraindication to MRI, such as presence of pacemakers, aneurysm clips, artificial heart valves, ear implants, metal fragments, or foreign objects in the eyes, skin, or body
- Longstanding premorbid history (longer than 10 years) of alcohol or substance abuse with continuous abuse up to and including the time that the symptoms leading to clinical presentation developed
- Any significant systemic illness or unstable medical condition which could lead to difficulty complying with the study protocol
- Unwilling to return for follow-up, undergo neuropsychological testing, TMS, and MR imaging
- History of unprovoked seizures
- Subjects who have a first degree relative with a seizure disorder
- Subjects currently taking, or plan to take, medications which are highly epileptogenic including clozapine, high doses of bupropion (greater than 400mg daily), diphenhydramine, cyclosporine, isoniazid, imipenem, chloroquine, tramadol and theophylline.
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02129
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Alexandra Touroutoglou, PhD
CONTACT
J
Jordan Walter, BA
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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