Clinical trials · California
Cognition clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 124 recruiting cognition studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT05201534Recruiting
Math and thinking skills training for school-age children
This trial studies interventions to improve math and cognitive (thinking) skills in elementary school children. It includes both children with math learning difficulties and typically developing children, using tests and MRI brain scans for those who can participate.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 6–12 - NCT07763392Recruiting
Normal cognitive test scores for adults
This study is testing a voice-controlled digital platform to measure normal memory and thinking abilities in healthy adults. By participating, you would help create a baseline of normal scores that doctors can use to compare against when assessing people with thinking problems.
Carlsbad, CaliforniaAges 18–100 - NCT07474038Enrolling by invitation
AI-Supported Memory Training for Older Adults
This study tests a computer-based program that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help older adults with mild memory problems improve their thinking skills. It is done remotely, so you can participate from home.
Pasadena, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT07220694Recruiting
Sabroxy supplement for memory and insulin resistance
This study tests whether a supplement called Sabroxy can improve insulin resistance and memory in adults with mild cognitive impairment and insulin resistance. It may help if you have early memory problems and your blood sugar is slightly higher than normal.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 40–80 - NCT05837845RecruitingPhase 2
MDMA plus therapy versus therapy alone for severe PTSD
This Phase 2 study compares MDMA-assisted Cognitive Processing Therapy (a structured talk-therapy) to Cognitive Processing Therapy alone for Veterans with severe PTSD. It aims to see whether adding MDMA helps reduce PTSD symptoms and improve recovery.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06375681Recruiting
Brain training study for younger and older adults
This study compares different types of memory and thinking exercises in younger and older healthy adults. It tests whether a specific computer-based training program can improve mental abilities like attention and problem-solving.
Riverside, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT04171323Recruiting
Active mind training to improve thinking and delay dementia
This study tests an “active mind” computer-based program to help improve thinking skills and possibly slow the process toward dementia. You may be randomly assigned to different program options to see which approach works best for your goals.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 55–89 - NCT07547319Recruiting
Accelerated rTMS to improve cognitive function
This study tests whether repeated magnetic pulses to the brain (called rTMS) can help improve thinking and memory in older adults with mild to moderate cognitive decline. The treatment is non-invasive and may help slow cognitive changes.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 50–90 - NCT07130669RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Memory and thinking study for older adults
This trial tests a program to help maintain or improve memory and thinking skills in older adults. You may join if you are 60-89, speak English, and live at home or in an assisted-living facility.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 60–89 - NCT04800588Recruiting
Computer tests to study early Alzheimer’s changes
This study uses computer and touch-screen tasks to measure thinking changes in people who may be in the early, symptom-free stage of Alzheimer’s disease. It aims to understand how these brain-related changes show up on testing, which could help future detection or tracking.
Berkeley, CaliforniaAges 18–89 - NCT06507254Recruiting
Polyphenols and brain health in aging
This study tests whether eating more polyphenols (natural compounds in plants) can protect brain health in people at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease, especially if they currently eat a typical Western diet. Participants will be followed over time to see if changes in diet affect thinking and memory.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 50 years+ - NCT06413173Recruiting
Remote brain stimulation for attention after mild TBI
This trial tests if a remote brain stimulation device can improve attention and concentration in active-duty service members who have had a mild traumatic brain injury. Participants use the device at home while completing tasks to help with daily focus.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–60 - NCT06086379Enrolling by invitation
Cognitive rehab therapy for COVID-related thinking problems in Veterans
This study tests a cognitive rehabilitation therapy designed to help Veterans who have memory and thinking problems after COVID-19. It aims to improve daily mental function and quality of life.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05890183Recruiting
Telehealth exercise and brain training after a first psychosis episode
This trial tests whether a combination of at-home (telehealth) aerobic exercise and computer-based cognitive training can improve thinking and day-to-day function after a first episode of schizophrenia-spectrum illness. It may help by strengthening attention and learning skills after the initial psychotic episode.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–45 - NCT05770479Enrolling by invitation
Testing long-lasting cognitive training for older veterans
This study looks at whether a cognitive training program you’ve already completed can keep helping over time, and whether it can be improved with “booster” sessions. It may help older veterans maintain thinking and daily functioning skills after earlier training.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 55 years+ - NCT04916210Recruiting
Study how stroke type affects thinking and recovery
This study looks at what predicts memory and thinking problems after different types of stroke or brain bleeding, and how blood-vessel changes relate to recovery. You may be invited if you recently had a stroke/bleed and can complete a baseline check within 6 weeks.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03948490Recruiting
Cognitive rehab and follow-up for lower grade brain tumors
This study offers cognitive rehabilitation and long-term monitoring for adults with lower grade gliomas. It aims to help improve thinking and memory problems you may be experiencing.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03860857RecruitingPhase 3
Study biomarkers in memory aging and brain health
This Phase 3 study looks for blood/brain “biomarkers” linked to aging, memory changes, and early brain degeneration. It may help researchers better identify who is at risk and how biology relates to thinking and memory, using brain scans and thinking tests.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT07866768Recruiting
Ultrasound treatment to clear brain waste in early memory loss
This study tests a low-intensity ultrasound treatment aimed at helping the brain clear out harmful protein buildup linked to Alzheimer's disease. It is for people 65 and older with mild cognitive impairment (slight but noticeable memory problems) and a positive test for amyloid, a protein in the brain.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT06005038RecruitingPhase 1
Memory training study for older adults with mild cognitive issues
This study tests a computer-based memory training program to see if it can improve memory and thinking skills in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. It may help you if you have memory concerns but still live independently.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT07589595RecruitingPhase 2
Donanemab for Early Cognitive Decline with Lewy Bodies
This study tests donanemab, an investigational drug designed to target amyloid proteins in the brain that may contribute to cognitive decline in people with early dementia with Lewy bodies. The trial aims to see if this treatment can slow cognitive decline and help preserve thinking and memory.
Carlsbad, CaliforniaAges 55–85 - NCT07477184Recruiting
Sleep app study for California firefighters
This trial tests a smartphone app designed to help firefighters sleep better, think more clearly, and feel better overall. You might join to improve your sleep and health through a simple program on your iPhone or iPad.
San Luis Obispo, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06870136Recruiting
Lion's Mane supplement for memory and focus
This study tests a Lion's Mane supplement to see if it helps with memory, focus, and overall thinking. If you are between 40 and 75 and have mild concerns about your thinking, you may be able to take part.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 40–75 - NCT07191483RecruitingPhase 2
Study of KYN-5356 for cognitive problems in schizophrenia
This trial tests an investigational drug, KYN-5356, to see if it can improve thinking and memory problems in adults with schizophrenia. You may join if your schizophrenia is stable and you take only one antipsychotic medication.
Cerritos, CaliforniaAges 18–55
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cognition studies listed above.
- University of California, San Francisco · 3 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles · 2 studies
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA · 2 studies
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
- California Polytechnic University - San Luis Obispo
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Cenexel CNS
- CogT Lab, Stanford University
What taking part in a cognition study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Cognition trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there cognition clinical trials in California?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 124 recruiting cognition studies with a site in California, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a cognition study in California?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in California to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in California, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a cognition trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New cognition studies open in California regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.