Brain stimulation timed to brain waves to help working memory in dementia
Tests magnetic brain stimulation timed to brain waves in people with dementia.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Brain Wave Informed Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Improving Neural Networks of Working Memory in Dementia: a Proof-of-concept Study
Key facts
- Where
- Hamilton, 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 adults aged 55 or older who have Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. It tests brain stimulation timed to each person's brain waves.
- Age
- 55 years or older
- Sex
- All sexes can join
- Disease stage
- Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia diagnosed by a clinician, with a score above 10 on the MMSE
Main reasons for not taking part
- Pacemaker, or metal, electrical or magnetic implants (titanium is not a reason)
- History of seizure or epilepsy
- Taking prescription medicines that raise the risk of seizure
- Known untreated or uncontrolled psychological disorder
- Pregnancy
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Canada
- Ivor Wynne CenterHamilton, 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
- McMaster University
- Trial code
- NCT07673770
- Record updated
- 7 July 2026
- Original description
Working memory helps us hold information for a short time so one can think and make decisions. It keeps thoughts on track. As one gets older, working memory gets weaker. In people with dementia, it gets much worse, making it harder to talk with others, follow directions, or remember things like shopping lists.Read full original descriptionShow less
Brain Wave Informed Non-invasive Brain Stimulation: Improving Neural Networks of Working Memory in Dementia: a Proof-of-concept Study
Working memory helps us hold information for a short time so one can think and make decisions. It keeps thoughts on track. As one gets older, working memory gets weaker. In people with dementia, it gets much worse, making it harder to talk with others, follow directions, or remember things like shopping lists.
This may happen because brain waves that support working memory fall out of sync. Researchers can see these brain waves using a test called EEG. In this study, the investigators will try to get these brain waves back in sync using a safe, non-invasive form of brain stimulation called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and will time it to each person's brain waves to make it more effective. The goal is to improve working memory in people with dementia. If successful, dementia patients may be able to be more independent taking pressure off their families.
Inclusion: Individuals must be diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias by a clinician; Individuals must exhibit adequate oral communication skills and cognitive function sufficient to obtain a score above 10 on the MMSE; Instructions will be delivered in English; therefore participants must demonstrate an understanding of instruction provided in English; Individuals must be at least 55 years or older.
Exclusion: Contraindications to TMS; presence of a pacemaker, metal/electrical/magnetic implants not including titanium, known history of untreated or uncontrolled psychological disorders, pregnancy, history of seizure or diagnoses of epilepsy, are taking any prescription medications that increase the risk of seizure; Allergy to rubbing alcohol, which is needed to prepare electromyography for TMS.