Clinical trials · California
Cognition clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 121 recruiting cognition studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2 and Phase 4 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT07281352RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Psilocybin therapy for depression
This study tests if psilocybin (a psychedelic) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with major depression. You would receive the psilocybin in a supervised setting and have talk therapy before and after.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–60 - NCT07207122Recruiting
Focused ultrasound for Parkinson's cognitive symptoms
This trial tests whether a non-invasive ultrasound treatment, called transcranial focused ultrasound stimulation (tFUS), can improve movement and thinking in people with Parkinson's disease. It may be an option for those whose symptoms are not well controlled by medication alone.
Santa Monica, CaliforniaAges 22–80 - NCT05194930Recruiting
Insomnia treatment study for Veterans with PTSD symptoms
This study tests treatments to help Veterans who have both PTSD symptoms and trouble sleeping (insomnia). You may be invited to try study procedures to see what helps insomnia and whether it also improves sleep-related well-being.
Sepulveda, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03568669Recruiting
Testing thinking and learning in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome
This study looks at thinking and memory in people with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) to better understand how the condition affects the brain. It may help researchers measure changes over time and guide future care.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 3–85 - NCT06580002RecruitingPhase 2
Can Riluzole Help with Chemo Brain? A Pilot Study
This study tests if a medicine called riluzole (currently used for ALS) can help with 'chemo brain' – memory and thinking problems after cancer treatment. It is for people who feel their mental sharpness has declined after breast cancer therapy, certain chemotherapies, or brain radiation.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04142177Recruiting
Test which pain treatments work best for chronic low back pain
This study compares how well different pain treatments reduce low back pain and improve daily life. You may be asked to start or continue care through the VA and attend in-person sessions while completing pain and activity questionnaires.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04262206RecruitingPhase 4
Testing how statins affect outcomes in adults 75 and older
This trial studies whether cholesterol-lowering medicine (a statin, specifically atorvastatin) improves health and benefits in people age 75 and older in everyday life. It may help doctors understand which older adults benefit most and how to use these medicines safely.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 75 years+ - NCT04267003Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for thinking and brain chemistry in schizophrenia
This study tests whether a brain stimulation approach can improve thinking (cognition) in people with schizophrenia and how it changes brain electrical signals and a brain chemical called GABA. It may help researchers understand new ways to support thinking and symptoms.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–47 - NCT04500847RecruitingPhase 1
Testing repurposed HIV-like drugs for early Alzheimer’s symptoms
This Phase 1 study tests whether an existing type of anti-viral medicine (nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors) can help people with early Alzheimer’s disease. It also focuses on safety and proper dosing while measuring brain-related changes and memory-related symptoms.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 50–85 - 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 - NCT04829071RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Testing brain and movement training after a one-sided stroke
This early research study looks at a way to improve thinking and movement after a stroke that happened more than 6 months ago. It may help people who still have problems using one side of their body to walk and learn new movement skills.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 45–85 - NCT04883255RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Study cannabis effects on brain function in adults with HIV
This early-phase study looks at how cannabis (and the body’s cannabinoid system) may affect thinking and brain-related measures in people with HIV. You may be asked to avoid cannabis and complete several brain and health assessments to see how these factors relate.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT04885322Recruiting
Brain stimulation trial for attention and thinking control
This study tests whether a non-painful brain stimulation method (tDCS) can improve attention and “thinking control,” and how brain activity changes during tasks. It also uses brain imaging (MRI), so safety and comfort conditions must be met.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–50 - NCT05127616Recruiting
Trial for chronic pelvic pain: CBT vs education/support
This study tests whether structured talking therapy (CBT) or education/support helps reduce chronic pelvic pain problems in adults. It compares two approaches over time and uses symptom diaries and follow-up check-ins to see which works better.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05185128Recruiting
Social skills training and brain imaging in teens with autism
This study looks at how social thinking and social skills training affect the brain in teens with autism, compared with teens with other severe mental health conditions and typically developing teens. It may help researchers understand what drives social difficulties and what could improve social functioning.
Loma Linda, CaliforniaAges 12–18 - NCT05237986Recruiting
Study brain and thinking effects after CAR T therapy in youth
This study looks at how CAR T-cell treatment affects thinking, learning, and day-to-day brain function in children and young adults with certain blood cancers. You (and a caregiver) may complete online testing so researchers can track these changes over time and whether support is needed.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 5 years+ - NCT05491551Recruiting
Alcohol training program to help you cut back or quit
This study tests a structured training program for young adults who’ve been drinking heavily, to help them reduce drinking or quit. You’ll be asked to complete daily short check-ins and follow study instructions, and you may be randomly assigned to different parts of the program.
Berkeley, CaliforniaAges 18–26 - NCT05531461Recruiting
Imaging study after clot removal with Tigertriever device
This study looks at brain images and thinking (cognition) after treatment to remove a large artery blood clot using the Tigertriever. It may help doctors understand how well the procedure works and how it affects long-term brain function.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT05591937Recruiting
Online therapy and prevention support for eligible East LA students
This project offers online mental health prevention and therapy programs and short assessments for eligible students. It may help you access support in a convenient way if you meet the study’s student, coverage, and technology needs.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–40 - NCT05598034Recruiting
Brain stimulation with tDCS for moderate depression
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation called tDCS can improve depression symptoms. It also uses MRI scans, aiming to understand how brain changes may relate to symptom improvement.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 20–55 - NCT05612750Recruiting
Online therapy for chronic pain: CBT vs one-session relief
This study compares two online treatments for chronic pain: an 8-session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program versus a single “empowered relief” session. It aims to see which approach helps people manage pain better over time.
Long Beach, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05625425Recruiting
Study testing a memory and wayfinding training program
This study tests a wayfinding (getting around) training program and how it may affect long-term memory. You may need brain scans (fMRI), virtual reality tasks, and regular short walks to participate.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 60–85 - NCT05783817RecruitingPhase 2
MDMA-assisted therapy for OCD in adults
This trial tests whether MDMA plus cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can reduce OCD symptoms in adults who have tried standard OCD treatments before. You may be asked to pause certain medicines and follow specific diet/medication rules around the study session.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05794295Recruiting
Sleep study in people with focal epilepsy
This trial studies how sleep patterns relate to thinking and memory in people with focal epilepsy. It may help researchers understand what sleep changes could support brain function in epilepsy.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–40
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
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · 2 studies
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles · 2 studies
- Imaging Research Center · 2 studies
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System · 2 studies
- Center for Health Professions
- East Los Angeles College
- Fresno VA Medical Center
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 121 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.