Clinical trials · California
Cognition clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 123 recruiting cognition studies with a site in California — including 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - NCT05417555Recruiting
Focused ultrasound for mild memory problems and early Alzheimer’s
This trial studies whether a low-intensity focused ultrasound treatment can improve brain function in people with mild cognitive impairment (early memory decline) or mild Alzheimer’s disease. It may help slow symptoms or improve how the brain works, but it’s still being tested.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 50–90 - 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - NCT07042074Enrolling by invitation
Virtual reality for needle fear in teens
This trial tests if using augmented reality or virtual reality during talk therapy helps teenagers ages 11 to 17 who are afraid of needles. The goal is to see if these technologies can make therapy more effective and less scary.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 11–17 - 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 - NCT06526078Enrolling by invitation
Combining brain training with ketamine for depression
This study tests if adding computer-based cognitive training to ketamine treatment can improve mood in people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. It aims to see if the combination works better than ketamine alone.
Oakland, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT07386964Recruiting
Study of a health product for thinking and memory in e-gamers
This study tests whether a health and wellness product can improve thinking and memory in people who play video games and work full-time. You may join if you're 21–45, a young professional, and live in the U.S.
Del Mar, CaliforniaAges 21–45 - NCT07167719Recruiting
Resilience training for parolees with adjustment challenges
This study tests a cognitive-behavioral training program to help people on parole build resilience and cope with adjustment difficulties. If you are recently on parole and having trouble adjusting, this program may offer tools to support your mental health.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cognition studies listed above.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 4 studies
- University of California, San Francisco · 2 studies
- VA San Diego Healthcare System · 2 studies
- Altman Clinical and Translational Research Institute
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
- Kaiser Permanente Southern California
- Kaiser Permanente-Oakland
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 123 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.