Skip to content

Glymphatic Function TMS Study

Investigating the Impact of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) on Amyloid and Tau Clearance Via Glymphatic Function in Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Phase 2
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07192913
Acronym
GF-TMS
Enrollment
20
Registered
2025-09-25
Start date
2026-01-31
Completion date
2026-07-31
Last updated
2025-12-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Mild Cognitive Impairment

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to use transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in older adults to impact the glymphatic system. The glymphatic system is a brain-wide clearance pathway that plays a crucial role in removing dysfunctional proteins in Alzheimer's disease. This project aims to investigate if TMS can help glymphatic function and reduce levels of these proteins in those with mild cognitive impairment.

Interventions

DEVICETranscranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. The primary aim of the study will be to verify the deliverability of the TMS effect on the hippocampus and determine which stimulation protocol is more beneficial to each participant. Device: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Sham) TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique. The primary aim of the study will be to verify the deliverability of the TMS effect on the hippocampus and determine which stimulation protocol is more beneficial to each participant. For sham, the side of the coil that does not deliver pulses will be used.

Sponsors

University of Arizona
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
50 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI Group) Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-85 years * MCI subjective criteria: self- or informant-reported cognitive complaint * Objective cognitive impairment supported by one of the following measures of general cognitive function: (a) classified as MCI via the NACC-UDS 3.0 neuropsychological battery using the typical neuropsychological criteria for MCI diagnosis (1 score on any test at least1.5 SD below the mean); or (b) classified as MCI via the NACC-UDS 3.0 neuropsychological battery using the Jak/Bondi neuropsychological criteria for MCI diagnosis(2 scores at least 1 SD below the mean in one domain, or 3 scores at least 1SD below the mean across domains) * Right-handed * English speaking * Able to attend daily intervention and outcome measurements for \ 15 days over a 6 month period. * Not enrolled in another interventional study within 6 months prior to beginning this study

Exclusion criteria

* Contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) * Reported sudden or steep decline of cognitive performance * Telephone Interview for cognitive impairment (TICS) score * Other neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, head injuries, or multiple sclerosis) * Psychiatric disorder (except stable late-life depression due to its high prevalence in MCI individuals) * Current cancer treatment or other comorbid/unstable medical conditions that might independently affect cognitive function

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
NIH ToolboxDay 1(baseline for block 1), Day 14(post block 1), Day 70 (Baseline block 2), Day 84 (post block 2)The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, recommended for ages 7+, consists of tests of multiple constructs. It yields individual test scores and the following summary scores: Total Cognition Composite, Fluid Composite (includes Dimensional Change Card Sort, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention, Picture Sequence Memory (Form A), List Sorting Working Memory, and Pattern Comparison tests), and Crystallized Composite (includes Picture Vocabulary and Oral Reading Recognition tests).

Contacts

Primary ContactReyna Hickey
reynah@arizona.edu520-626-7755
Backup ContactSarah Norman
snorman@arizona.edu

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026