RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05561205

rTMS for Apathy Clinical Trial

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Apathy Clinical Trial (REACT)


Sponsor

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Enrollment

10 participants

Start Date

Feb 9, 2023

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Summary

Apathy is a common, early, and disabling symptom in dementias and mild behavioural impairment such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is characterized by lack of interest and enthusiasm. Both repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, and methylphenidate, a medication, have been shown to improve apathy. This pilot study will investigate rTMS as a treatment for apathy in neurocognitive disorders and mild behavioural impairment in individuals receiving methylphenidate and individuals not receiving medication for apathy.


Eligibility

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This trial is testing whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help people with apathy — a persistent lack of motivation or interest — related to mild memory or thinking problems. rTMS uses magnetic pulses delivered to the scalp to stimulate specific areas of the brain, with no surgery involved. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage dementia, OR have mild changes in behavior - You have been experiencing apathy (low motivation, reduced interest in activities) for at least 4 weeks - Your medications affecting mood or thinking have been stable for at least 4 weeks - You have a family member or caregiver who spends at least 10 hours a week with you **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You are currently experiencing a major depressive episode - You have significant agitation, delusions, or hallucinations - You have a medical reason that makes rTMS unsafe for you (such as a metal implant in your head) - You are currently taking amphetamine-based medications - You have Tourette's syndrome, motor tics, or certain nervous system abnormalities - You are already participating in another clinical trial Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICErTMS

repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

DRUGmethylphenidate

methylphenidate


Locations(1)

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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NCT05561205


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