rTMS: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
methylphenidate: methylphenidate
Study 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
Sex
ALL
Min age
—
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
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
Primary outcome measure(s)
Neuropsychiatric Inventory-apathy — 2 weeks Measure of apathy on a scale from 0 to 12 with a higher score indicating greater apathy
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto
Ontario
Recruiting
More Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre trials in Canada
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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