Using non-invasive brain stimulation to treat apathy
Official title: Investigation of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of apathy
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10889273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a safe way to use brain stimulation to help boost motivation and thinking skills in people with conditions like Parkinson's disease who often feel apathetic, with the hope of making their lives better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,216 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH132884-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with neurological or psychiatric disorders who experience significant apathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neurological or psychiatric conditions, or those without symptoms of apathy, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques, specifically transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), to address apathy in patients with neurological and psychiatric conditions. The study aims to understand how these techniques can enhance motivation and cognitive function, which are often impaired in disorders like Parkinson's disease. Patients will be monitored using electroencephalography (EEG) to assess brain activity during treatment, and the research will also focus on developing effective clinical trial designs. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from apathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for apathy, significantly improving patients' motivation and overall well-being.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using non-invasive brain stimulation techniques for various neurological conditions, indicating potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sklerov, Miriam — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Sklerov, Miriam
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.