rTMS for Apathy Clinical Trial

Launched by SUNNYBROOK HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE · Sep 29, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring the use of a treatment called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to help improve apathy in people with Alzheimer's disease. Apathy is when someone loses interest in activities they used to enjoy, and it can be quite challenging for both patients and their families. The study will look at how rTMS works in people who are taking a medication called methylphenidate, which has also been shown to help with apathy, and in those who are not on any medication.

To participate in this trial, individuals must have a major neurocognitive disorder like Alzheimer's and have experienced apathy for at least four weeks. It's important that they have a care partner who can spend time with them, as this support is vital for the study. However, those with certain conditions such as major depression, severe agitation, or those currently participating in other clinical trials won’t be eligible. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, the study is currently recruiting participants, and it could be a valuable opportunity to help advance understanding of treatments for apathy in dementia.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • mild or major neurocognitive disorder OR mild behavioural impairment
• • Apathy for at least 4 weeks
• • Stable dose of medication (\>4 weeks) that may affect cognition or behaviour
• • Care partner who spends at least 10 hours a week with the subject
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current major depressive episode
• • Agitation, delusions, hallucination
• • Medical contraindications to rTMS
• • Currently taking an amphetamine product
• • Central nervous system abnormalities, Tourette's syndrome, or motor tics
• • Current participation in another clinical trial