🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-06-25
The Wandering Nerve: Gateway to Boost Alzheimer's Disease Related Cognitive Performance (NCT04908358)
The Wandering Nerve: Gateway to Boost Alzheimer's Disease Related Cognitive
🔵 Active, Not Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 📋 Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
In this research study the investigators want to find out if a non-invasive electrical brain stimulation method called RAVANS (also called tVNS) can have a beneficial effect on cognition in older individuals. The investigators also want to understand whether certain individual factors contribute to the effect of RAVANS on cognition. RAVANS is only used in research studies.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Massachusetts General Hospital — Charlestown, Massachusetts
Age range: 60 Years to 85 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Active transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation respiratory-gated non-painful electrical stimulation of the auricle for 10 minute sessions (OTHER)
- Sham transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation respiratory-gated non-painful electrical stimulation of the auricle for 10 minute sessions (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Charlestown, Massachusetts
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.