RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06087926

Apathy in Parkinson Disease TMS Study

Investigation of Non-invasive Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Apathy

Sponsor

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Enrollment

100 participants

Start Date

May 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Parkinson Disease

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to develop non-invasive brain stimulation targets for the treatment of apathy, or motivation problems, in Parkinson Disease. The main questions the study aims to answer are: 1. Does transcranial magnetic stimulation change effort task performance in Parkinson's Disease patients? 2. Is there a link between brain signals and apathy? Participants will * complete questionnaires and assessments * perform an effort task * have their brain activity recorded (EEG) * receive non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS) Researchers will compare two stimulation locations (experimental site and control site) to see if TMS of the experimental site has an effect on apathy. Participants will receive stimulation of both sites (during separate visits).

Eligibility

Min Age: 55 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is using brain stimulation (called TMS, or transcranial magnetic stimulation) to investigate and potentially treat apathy — a loss of motivation and interest — in people with Parkinson's disease. Apathy is a common but often overlooked symptom of Parkinson's, and researchers want to understand its brain circuit origins and whether TMS can help. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease - You have had Parkinson's symptoms for at least 5 years - You are taking dopamine medications for Parkinson's and have been on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks - You can give informed consent in English - If female, you are postmenopausal or using effective contraception **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have dementia (MoCA score below 21) - You have a history of epilepsy or brain surgery - You have severe tremors or involuntary movements that would interfere with the study - You have metal implants in your head (e.g., a brain stimulator) or a pacemaker - You are unable to perform the study tasks 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

DEVICETranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (or TMS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation in which a magnetic pulse is applied directly to the scalp. TMS is FDA approved for the treatment of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders and is regularly used in neurologic and psychiatric research. ITBS is a particular TMS protocol which delivers the magnetic field in triplet bursts (three stimulations very close together at a frequency of 50 Hz). The triplet bursts are repeated at a rate of 5 Hz for 2 seconds (30 pulses), followed by 8 seconds rest, repeated 20 times for a total of 600 pulses. Each treatment lasts approximately 3 minutes.