Deep brain magnetic stimulation with cognitive training for older adults with memory concerns
Tests magnetic brain stimulation with memory training in adults aged 55 to 70.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: dTMS for Subjective Cognitive Decline
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for older adults aged 55 to 70 who notice their memory getting worse and have a close relative with Alzheimer's disease. It tests brain stimulation combined with cognitive training.
- Age
- 55 to 70 years
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Subjective cognitive decline: the person notices memory decline and is concerned about it. Score of 26 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
- Earlier treatment
- Medications must be stable for 2 months and not expected to change during the study. Regular use of benzodiazepines or other hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization is not allowed.
- Biomarker or test result
- A first-degree relative, living or deceased, with a probable or confirmed diagnosis of late-onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Metal plate in the head (except in the mouth), implanted brain stimulator or aneurysm clips
- Cardiac pacemaker, implanted medication pump or central venous line
- Current depression, or a history of psychotic or bipolar disorder, or dementia other than Alzheimer's disease
- Personal or family history of epilepsy
- Pregnant or breast-feeding women
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 55 and 70 years old?
Source: NCT06095063, who can take part
Where in Canada
- Rotman Research Institute at BaycrestToronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest
- Trial code
- NCT06095063
- Record updated
- 27 October 2025
- Original description
Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) is a brain stimulation technique that involves generating a brief magnetic field in a coil that is placed on the scalp. The magnetic field passes through the skull and induces a weak electrical current in the brain that briefly activates neural circuits at the stimulation site. The Brainsway dTMS H7-Coil is able to target an area of the brain that has been shown in studies to be linked to greater resilience to cognitive decline. In this study, the investigators will combine dTMS with cognitive training in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and examine the effect of this treatment on memory, other cognitive abilities, and mood. In addition, the investigators will examine the combined effects of dTMS and cognitive training on brain activity as measured using electroencephalography (EEG).Read full original descriptionShow less
Effect of Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) on Cognition in Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD)
Deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS) is a brain stimulation technique that involves generating a brief magnetic field in a coil that is placed on the scalp. The magnetic field passes through the skull and induces a weak electrical current in the brain that briefly activates neural circuits at the stimulation site. The Brainsway dTMS H7-Coil is able to target an area of the brain that has been shown in studies to be linked to greater resilience to cognitive decline. In this study, the investigators will combine dTMS with cognitive training in older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and examine the effect of this treatment on memory, other cognitive abilities, and mood. In addition, the investigators will examine the combined effects of dTMS and cognitive training on brain activity as measured using electroencephalography (EEG).
Approximately 30 older adults from ages 55 to 70 with SCD and a positive family history of Alzheimer's disease will be enrolled in this study.
Inclusion: have a family history of late onset sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) as defined by having a first degree relative, living or deceased, with a probable or confirmed diagnosis of AD; have subjective memory decline and concern about memory changes; score 26 or higher on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); are willing to provide informed consent; are able to follow the treatment schedule; are stable on medications for 2 months and are not expected to change medication during the entire study period (if they are taking medications); have a satisfactory safety screening questionnaire for TMS; have an informant/study partner who is able to complete study questionnaires regarding the participant.
Exclusion: have a metal plate in their head, except in the mouth (such as an ear implant, implanted brain stimulators, aneurysm clips); have an implanted medication pump; have known increased pressure or a history of increased pressure in their brain, which may increase their risk for having seizures; have a cardiac pacemaker; have a significant heart condition; have current depression or a history of any psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, eating disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia other than AD; have a history of substance abuse in the last 6 months; have a history of stroke or other brain lesions; have a personal history of epilepsy; have a family history of epilepsy; have a history of abnormal MRI of the brain; have unstable medical condition(s); have a central venous line; are a pregnant or breast-feeding woman; have significant hearing loss requiring use of hearing aids; have untreated hypo- or hyper-thyroidism; have TMS contraindications; regularly use benzodiazepines or other hypnotics within 2 weeks of randomization.