Clinical trials · California
Cognition clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 119 recruiting cognition studies with a site in California — including Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT04297020Recruiting
Checking brain health in breast cancer survivors
This study looks at differences in brain function in people who have had breast cancer, compared with certain people without that history. It’s testing how brain health changes after breast cancer and relates to mood, thinking, and daily functioning.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 35–65 - NCT04343157RecruitingPhase 2
Image-guided focused radiation to protect thinking in brain metastases
This Phase 2 trial tests a brain radiation technique that aims to treat up to a few brain metastases while sparing areas important for thinking and memory. It may help people keep cognitive abilities better than with more brain-wide radiation approaches.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05620719Recruiting
Study delayed headache after head injury in veterans
This study looks at treatment for ongoing headache that starts or gets worse after a mild or moderate head/neck injury in veterans or active-duty service members. It may help by testing an approach aimed at reducing headache burden and improving daily functioning.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05682677Recruiting
Brain stimulation plus cognitive training for depression after mild head injury
This study tests whether a combination of brain stimulation and cognitive training can reduce depression symptoms in people who have ongoing mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). It may help by targeting both mood and thinking/processing skills affected after mTBI.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05968703Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation study for mild memory trouble in Parkinson’s
This trial looks at a specific type of deep brain stimulation (DBS) to see if it can help people with Parkinson’s who have mild cognitive problems (mild memory/thinking changes). You may also be asked to temporarily stop Parkinson’s medications around research visits to measure effects more clearly.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 21–80 - 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+ - NCT06107842Recruiting
Exercise program for older veterans' memory and thinking
This study tests whether an exercise program called Gerofit can help improve memory and thinking in older Veterans. If you join, you will take part in supervised exercise sessions to see how it affects your brain health.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 65 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 - 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+ - NCT06245031Enrolling by invitation
Long-term follow-up of sensory stimulation for Alzheimer's
This is a follow-up study for people who already completed the 12-month Hope Study (CA-0011). It tests long-term safety and effects of a gentle sensory stimulation device (light and sound) for Alzheimer's disease. You will continue using the device at home with a study partner.
Santa Ana, CaliforniaAges 50–92 - NCT05254015Enrolling by invitation
Therapy for hoarding symptoms in adults 50+
This trial tests a combined therapy approach (cognitive rehabilitation plus exposure therapy) to reduce hoarding behaviors in older adults. You may benefit if your hoarding is your main diagnosis and your symptoms and medications are stable.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 50 years+ - NCT04240665Enrolling by invitation
Test a digital notebook for memory problems
This study tests a digital “memory notebook” to help people who have early memory concerns keep track and report changes over time. It may be useful if you’re having mild memory issues and can complete surveys with a study partner.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT06976216RecruitingPhase 3
Study of KarXT plus KarX-EC for Alzheimer's cognitive symptoms
This trial tests a new combination treatment (KarXT plus KarX-EC) to see if it can help with thinking and memory problems caused by Alzheimer's disease. It is for people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's who have a caregiver available.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 60–85 - NCT04804241RecruitingPhase 2
Senicapoc for early Alzheimer’s symptoms
This Phase 2 study tests whether the drug senicapoc can slow or improve symptoms in people with early Alzheimer’s disease or mild memory impairment. You would have a 50/50 chance of getting senicapoc or a placebo (inactive pill), along with regular study visits and testing.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 55–85 - NCT05894967Recruiting
Study on how perceptual learning works in different age groups
This study looks at what helps people improve how they perceive visual information (“perceptual learning”) and what processes are responsible. It includes younger and older adults and mainly needs good vision and no known eye or brain conditions affecting the retina or nerves.
Riverside, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT05617014Enrolling by invitation
ADNI4 study for early Alzheimer’s with brain imaging tests
This study enrolls people with no memory impairment, mild memory problems, or mild Alzheimer’s dementia to test how brain scans and cognitive tests relate to Alzheimer’s disease. It may help by contributing to better early diagnosis and by letting you see whether you fit into the study’s imaging and blood-test pathway.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 55–90 - NCT06629064Recruiting
Memory training for PTSD symptoms
This study tests a computer-based memory training program for people with PTSD. It aims to see if this training can help reduce PTSD symptoms by improving how your brain processes memories. The study involves 8 remote sessions over 4 weeks and two MRI scans to look at brain changes.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05400174Recruiting
How blood pressure changes affect thinking and brain flow in Parkinson’s
This study measures how your blood pressure affects thinking skills and how blood flows in the brain in people with Parkinson’s. It may help researchers understand what blood-pressure changes could mean for cognition in Parkinson’s.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 50 years+ - NCT06458920Recruiting
How friends help teens manage emotions
This study looks at how teens and young adults learn to manage their emotions. If you fit the age range and are healthy enough for an MRI, you may help us understand how social situations affect emotion regulation.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 13–25 - NCT07577947Recruiting
Digital tracking to help treat pregnancy and postpartum depression
This study tests whether wearing an Apple Watch and using a smartphone app can help doctors better understand and treat depression during pregnancy and after birth. You'll receive depression treatment through the study while the app and watch track your daily patterns.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07396220Enrolling by invitation
Psychotherapy with esketamine nasal spray for suicidal thoughts
This study tests combining a specific type of therapy (BCBT-SP) with esketamine nasal spray to help people with treatment-resistant depression who are having ongoing suicidal thoughts. The goal is to see if this combination can reduce suicidal ideation more effectively than either treatment alone.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT07397858Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression in young people
This study tests if a type of brain stimulation called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can help treat depression in people aged 15 to 25. It involves a quick, non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to the head, and researchers want to see how it affects thinking and mood.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 15–25 - NCT06889961Recruiting
Daily mixed spice consumption for memory health
This trial tests whether eating a mix of spices every day can help improve memory in older adults with mild memory changes. If you are between 50 and 80 and have no major health conditions, you may be able to join.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 50–80
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cognition studies listed above.
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 5 studies
- University of California San Diego · 2 studies
- University of California San Diego Health · 2 studies
- University of California, Davis · 2 studies
- University of California, Davis Medical Center · 2 studies
- Advanced Research Center (ARC), Inc.
- Anderson Clinical Research
- ATP Clinical Research
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 119 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.