Clinical trials · California
Cognition clinical trials in California
We’re tracking 124 recruiting cognition studies with a site in California — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 2/Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06852521Enrolling by invitation
Understanding how we see visual features
This trial tests a theory about how our brains process visual features like color and shape. You'll likely do simple tasks on a computer screen while researchers measure your responses.
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaAges 18–55 - NCT06656637Enrolling by invitation
Do memory drills help veterans remember things?
This study tests if doing short memory drills can help veterans with brain injuries or PTSD improve their ability to remember to do tasks. You'll practice on a tablet or computer and see if your memory gets better.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06640803Recruiting
Early psychosis risk stepped-care program
This study offers a step-by-step care program for teens and young adults at high risk for psychosis. It aims to provide the right level of support early on to prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms.
Elk Grove, CaliforniaAges 12–25 - 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 - NCT06586164Recruiting
Rehabilitation research for veterans with serious mental illness
This study is testing a new rehabilitation program for veterans with serious mental illness, like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. If you join, you will help researchers see if this program improves daily functioning and quality of life.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–83 - 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+ - NCT06548191RecruitingPhase 1
Time-Restricted Eating for Alzheimer's Disease
This study tests whether a time-restricted eating schedule (eating all meals within a 10-hour window each day) can improve memory and thinking in people with early Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. Healthy partners of people with memory problems can also join as a comparison group.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT06502964RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-101 study for schizophrenia cognitive symptoms
This study tests an experimental medication called ALTO-101 for people with schizophrenia who also have cognitive impairment (memory or thinking problems). It aims to see if the drug can improve these symptoms while you continue your current antipsychotic treatment.
Garden Grove, CaliforniaAges 21–55 - NCT06219889Recruiting
Study of Neurocheck effects on thinking after brain bleed
This study looks at how a quick thinking-and-memory check (called a Neurocheck) affects patients recovering from a small, stable brain bleed in the ICU. It helps doctors understand if these checks are helpful for your recovery.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–100 - 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 - NCT06408246RecruitingPhase 2
Cognitive training and medication for depression
This study tests whether a combination of cognitive training (brain exercises) and a medication (guanfacine or sertraline) can improve thinking skills in people with depression. It involves MRI scans and computer tasks to understand how your brain responds.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–60 - NCT06410157Recruiting
Mindfulness for heart-brain health in adults 50-70
This study tests whether a daily mindfulness practice can help older adults improve how their heart and brain work together. You will do breathing exercises at home and come to USC twice for check-ups, including blood and urine tests and an MRI.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 50–70 - NCT06397469Recruiting
Digital program for attention and wellbeing in older adults
This study tests a digital program designed to help improve attention and overall wellbeing in older adults. You can take part from home using your own smartphone or tablet.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 60–99 - NCT06373718Recruiting
How sleep affects emotions in insomnia with low mood
This study explores how improving sleep might help regulate emotions in people who have both insomnia and mild depressive symptoms. You could help researchers understand the link between sleep and mood.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06273527RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Thinking skills training for mood and anxiety
This study tests whether a computerized training program can help people with mood, anxiety, or trauma-related disorders who struggle with repetitive negative thinking. If you are an outpatient and can have an MRI, this may be a good fit.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 21–55 - NCT06194851RecruitingPhase 2
Oxytocin nasal spray plus couples therapy for Veterans with PTSD
This study tests whether a nasal spray of oxytocin (a natural hormone) can boost the effects of a brief couples therapy for Veterans with PTSD. You and your partner would receive either the spray or a placebo (inactive spray) during therapy sessions to see if it helps reduce PTSD symptoms and improve relationship satisfaction.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05945602Recruiting
Using brain signals to guide cognitive rehab in psychosis
This study looks at brain-wave or related “brain signal” measurements to better guide cognitive rehabilitation (thinking and memory skills). It may help people with long-term psychotic disorders, and it also may include healthy comparison volunteers to understand the signals.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - NCT06090578Recruiting
Brain health check for adults in primary care
This trial tests a new brain health assessment tool in primary care clinics. It may help your doctor better detect thinking or memory changes early.
Pasadena, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT06073886RecruitingPhase 2
Better brain stimulation for long-lasting concussion symptoms
This trial tests whether personalized brain stimulation can help people who have ongoing symptoms more than 20 on a standard concussion scale, such as headaches, dizziness, or trouble concentrating, after a mild head injury in the past year.
Westwood, Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06052826RecruitingPhase 2
Geriatric support to speed recovery after CAR-T for older adults
This study tests whether extra geriatric support before and after CAR-T cell therapy helps people 60 and older recover faster. It is for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma who are scheduled for an FDA-approved CAR-T treatment.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT06004804Recruiting
Psychological treatments for chronic pain in veterans
This study compares two group psychological treatments for chronic pain delivered over video conference. It aims to see if these treatments help reduce pain and improve quality of life for veterans.
West Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 60–95 - NCT06023446Enrolling by invitation
Can eye photos detect early Alzheimer's disease?
This study uses a special camera (OCT) to take pictures of the retina (the back of your eye) to see if it can detect Alzheimer's disease very early. You may be eligible if you are either cognitively normal or have mild cognitive impairment, and have already had a test for Alzheimer's-related brain changes.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 50–89 - NCT05962424RecruitingPhase 1
Study of brain activity during thinking using electrode recordings
This Phase 1 study records electrical signals from the brain while you perform thinking tasks. The goal is to better understand how human brain circuits work during cognition, and the study may help future treatments.
Palo Alto, CaliforniaAges 18 years+
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cognition studies listed above.
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA · 4 studies
- Stanford University · 2 studies
- UC San Diego Health · 2 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles · 2 studies
- Capital Star Community Services
- Center for Health Professions
- City of Hope
- City of Hope at Irvine Lennar
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.