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 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in California
- NCT06915324Recruiting
Electric brain stimulation for Lyme disease cognitive issues
This study tests if a gentle electrical current applied to the scalp can improve thinking problems (like slow processing speed) that continue after Lyme disease treatment. It could help you if you have mental fog or memory trouble that hasn't gone away with antibiotics.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT06916221Recruiting
Digital brain training in aging
This study tests whether a digital intervention can help older adults (60+) maintain or improve cognitive function. It is designed for healthy adults or those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and people who do not regularly play a musical instrument or have extensive music training.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 60–85 - NCT06918704Recruiting
Digital brain health program for older adults
This study tests a digital program designed to help support thinking and memory in older adults. It may be a good fit if you are 60+ and generally healthy, even if you have some mild memory concerns.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 60–85 - NCT06976203RecruitingPhase 3
Testing karxt for thinking problems in alzheimer's
This trial tests if a combination medicine, KarXT plus KarX-EC, can help with thinking and memory problems in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It aims to see if the treatment is safe and effective.
Fullerton, CaliforniaAges 60–85 - 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 - NCT07036705Recruiting
Sauna blanket and app for better sleep in insomnia
This study tests whether using a heated sauna blanket before bed, along with a mind-body app, can help adults with insomnia fall asleep faster and sleep better. You would use the blanket at home for a few weeks and answer questions about your sleep.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07055633Recruiting
Improving cognitive rehab for veterans with concussion and PTSD
This trial tests a program to help veterans with memory, attention, or thinking problems after a mild concussion (mTBI) and with PTSD. It also looks at depression and sleep issues. The goal is to improve thinking and daily life.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07218757Recruiting
Trial of emotional awareness therapy for veterans with chronic pain
This study tests if a type of therapy that helps you understand and express emotions related to pain (called Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy) can reduce chronic pain in veterans. It is designed for veterans who have had muscle or joint pain for at least 3 months and rate their pain as moderate or greater.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT01327690RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Group therapy for mental health in veterans and families
This early-stage study looks at mental health outcomes for active-duty service members, veterans, and their family members after participating in group therapy sessions. If you can follow instructions and complete consent forms, this trial may help researchers understand how group therapy affects well-being in these communities.
Santa Rosa, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT02434393Recruiting
Studying brain changes in late-life depression and memory decline
This study looks at how thinking and memory change in people with depression later in life, using brain imaging and related assessments. Your past participation and whether your treatments are stable enough around the time of the brain scan may determine whether you can join.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT07430800Recruiting
AI-Powered CBT for Anxiety in University Students
This study tests whether personalized computer models can improve cognitive behavioral therapy (a talk therapy that helps change thinking patterns) for anxiety. It's for university students who have mild to moderate anxiety and are comfortable with being recorded during sessions.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07447050RecruitingPhase 2
Riluzole to Prevent Chemo-Related Cognitive Problems
This pilot study tests whether the drug riluzole can help prevent the thinking and memory problems (often called 'chemobrain') that some people experience during chemotherapy. If you are about to start a chemo regimen containing an anthracycline or platinum drug, you may be able to join.
Orange, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07516119Recruiting
Predicting Alzheimer's Risk Before Memory Loss Occurs
This study identifies people at high risk for Alzheimer's disease before symptoms develop, using genetics and digital tools to track brain health over time. If you qualify, you'll help researchers understand who will develop cognitive decline and potentially enable earlier interventions.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 55 years+ - NCT07554833Recruiting
Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Motor and Memory Skills
This study tests whether repeated magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the brain can help improve movement and thinking problems in people with Parkinson's disease. Researchers will measure how the treatment affects your motor control and cognitive function over the study period.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 50–90 - NCT07663578Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for epilepsy patients and healthy volunteers
This study tests a new non-invasive brain stimulation method called TIEFS. It uses safe electric fields to see how it affects thinking and brain waves. You may join if you are having brain surgery for epilepsy or are a healthy adult.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07572630Enrolling by invitation
How your brain processes visual information and attention
This research study examines how your brain focuses on and processes visual details. Participants will complete visual tasks while we monitor brain activity using safe imaging technology, helping us understand how attention shapes what we see.
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaAges 18–55 - NCT07226908Enrolling by invitation
Brain electrode study for epilepsy and memory
This study places electrodes in the brain to learn how seizures spread and how memory works. It may help people with temporal lobe epilepsy understand their condition better and improve future treatments.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06972004Enrolling by invitation
Preventing loss of independence through exercise for veterans
This study tests a gentle exercise program for veterans living in VA community living centers. The program is designed to help residents with memory problems stay independent, move better, and feel better. Staff at the center will be trained to lead the classes.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT06281457Enrolling by invitation
Visual attention study for healthy adults
This study tests how your brain pays attention to visual features like color or motion. You will do simple computer tasks while we measure your brain activity. It helps us understand normal vision.
Santa Barbara, CaliforniaAges 18–55 - 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 - NCT05746767Enrolling by invitation
Spanish digital therapy coaching for depression and anxiety
This study tests a digital “cognitive behavioral therapy” program with peer support to help Spanish-speaking adults with depression or anxiety. It may help you manage symptoms using structured online tools and guided peer interaction.
Irvine, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - 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
Where these studies are running in California
Institutions with a site for the recruiting cognition studies listed above.
- University of California, San Francisco · 5 studies
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) · 3 studies
- University of California, Santa Barbara · 3 studies
- University of California, Davis Medical Center · 2 studies
- University of Southern California · 2 studies
- Anderson Clinical Research
- Castro-Mission Health Center
- Foster Carr MD
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.