Accelerated brain stimulation for apathy in Parkinson's disease
Accelerated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Apathy in Parkinson's Disease
NA · Medical University of South Carolina · NCT07399496
This pilot will see if an accelerated form of intermittent theta-burst brain stimulation can reduce apathy in people with Parkinson's disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Trial ID | NCT07399496 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-site, open-label pilot enrolls 15 people with Parkinson's disease and clinically significant apathy to receive accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. Participants will complete six treatment visits over two weeks with eight short iTBS sessions delivered per day. Primary outcomes include feasibility and tolerability, with clinical measures of apathy (Lille Apathy Rating Scale), functional engagement, and neural target engagement using resting-state fMRI and EEG. Follow-up assessments occur at two and four weeks after the treatment course to capture short-term changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 45–85 with Parkinson's disease, clinically significant apathy (AES ≥37), stable PD medications, and a caregiver informant available are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe cognitive impairment, major psychiatric disorders, seizure history, MRI or TMS contraindications, pregnancy, or acute suicidality are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a noninvasive, fast-acting option to reduce apathy and improve day-to-day motivation for people with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous TMS and iTBS work has shown promise for mood and motivation-related symptoms, but accelerated dmPFC stimulation specifically for apathy in Parkinson's disease is largely novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 45-85 * Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease * AES ≥37 * Stable PD medications * Caregiver informant available Exclusion Criteria: * MRI/TMS contraindications * Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA \<21) * Psychiatric disorders (bipolar, schizophrenia, active substance use disorder) * Seizure history * Acute suicidality as assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) or suicide attempt in the previous year * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, South Carolina, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Lench — Medical University of South Carolina
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Parkinson Disease, Neuromodulation, iTBS, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Apathy, Parkinson's Disease