MCI & Alzheimer's Clinical Trial
Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles are testing are testing whether a new technology might improve memory in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild Alzheimer’s Disease.
Fast Facts
Diagnosed with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) or Mild Alzheimer's
Ages 50-90
Compensation Provided
Conducted in Los Angeles, CA
Study Background
Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles are testing a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique to see whether it can help improve memory in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild Alzheimer’s Disease.
Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) is a non-invasive technique that painlessly administers ultrasound energy to stimulate the brain. In this clinical trial, participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild Alzheimer’s Disease will receive LIFUP brain stimulation that specifically targets a part of the brain involved in memory, the entorhinal cortex. We want to see whether LIFUP can increase brain activity in this area and in turn improve memory in patients with these conditions.
We hope that the results of this clinical trial can help us learn more about these conditions, as well as whether LIFUP might serve as a potential treatment for increasing brain activity and improving memory.
Study Background
Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles are testing a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique to see whether it can help improve memory in patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild Alzheimer’s Disease.
Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) is a non-invasive technique that painlessly administers ultrasound energy to stimulate the brain. In this clinical trial, participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild Alzheimer’s Disease will receive LIFUP brain stimulation that specifically targets a part of the brain involved in memory, the entorhinal cortex. We want to see whether LIFUP can increase brain activity in this area and in turn improve memory in patients with these conditions.
We hope that the results of this clinical trial can help us learn more about these conditions, as well as whether LIFUP might serve as a potential treatment for increasing brain activity and improving memory.
Additional Information
In this clinical trial, we aim to investigate whether brain stimulation with Low Intensity Focused Ultrasound Pulsation (LIFUP) may be able to increase brain activity and improve memory in people with Mild Cognitive Impairment or mild Alzheimer’s Disease.
You may qualify for this clinical trial if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 50-90
- Diagnosed with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) or mild Alzheimer’s or mild neurocognitive disorder
Exclusion Criteria:
- Taking Aduhelm, Leqembi, or Kisunla as medication
- Not able to undergo MRI scan (metal implants such as cardiac pacemaker or other metal objects in the body, claustrophobia)
- Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy
- Diagnosis of cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease
- Diagnosis of psychosis or bipolar disorder
- History of seizures or diagnosis of epilepsy
- History of brain tumor, brain aneurysm, brain hemorrhage, or subdural hematoma
- Head injury that resulted in loss of consciousness lasting >30 minutes, cognitive issues lasting >18 months, and/or brain abnormalities
- Severe lung, liver, heart, and/or kidney disease/s that have not been successfully treated
- Heart attack within the last year
- If female, pregnant or attempting to become pregnant
- Weight exceeds 275 pounds
- Alzheimer’s is moderate or severe
Participation in the clinical trial involves completing 4 remote Zoom sessions (1-2 hours each) and 3 in-person sessions (3-4 hours each). During the initial meeting, which will be remote, participants will review the clinical trial consent process and complete an MRI safety screening as well as a brief cognitive test. Then, participants will come in person to the UCLA Westwood campus, undergo an MRI, and do a series of memory tests and questionnaires. After this visit, participants will come in person again to receive LIFUP brain stimulation, undergo an MRI, have their blood drawn, and complete additional memory tests. A remote follow-up session will be completed two days later, during which participants will complete more memory assessments. The in-person LIFUP visit and remote follow up will be repeated two weeks later, although without the blood draw. Finally, participants will complete an additional follow-up two weeks after the second LIFUP session to repeat the memory tests.
Participants can receive up to $420 for their time and effort. They will receive $160 at each of the first and third in-person visits, as well as $100 after completing the clinical trial.
There is no cost for you to participate in our clinical trial.
