NCT07424365 · RECRUITING
Study to Investigate Vagus Nerve Stimulation to Augment Executive Function in Healthy and Cognitively Impaired Populations
This study tests whether gentle electrical stimulation applied to the ear, called taVNS, changes decision-making, problem-solving, and other thinking skills. It compares real stimulation with a fake version. It includes healthy adults and people with Parkinson's or MCI. The phase is not applicable because it tests a device, not a drug. Whether it helps is still unknown.
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals aged 18-65. 2. Ability to sign informed consent. 3. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 4. For the PD group, a clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease without severe motor or cognitive impairments. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Current uncontrolled and/or clinically significant medical condition. 2. Abnormal ear anatomy or active ear infection. 3. Electronic medical implants, such as pacemakers, cochlear prosthesis, neuro-stimulators. 4. Uncorrected visual impairments that would interfere with task performance. (6) Other significant diseases or disorders that might impair study participation.
The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2026-02-20