Using brain stimulation to treat apathy in Alzheimer's disease
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Apathy Clinical Trial (REACT)
This study is testing whether a brain stimulation treatment can help reduce feelings of apathy in people with Alzheimer's disease, including those who are taking a medication for it.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05561205 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a treatment for apathy in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Participants will include those receiving methylphenidate, a medication known to improve apathy, and those not on any medication. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of rTMS in alleviating symptoms of apathy, which is a common and debilitating condition in dementia. The trial will include individuals diagnosed with major neurocognitive disorders who have experienced apathy for at least four weeks.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who have experienced apathy for at least four weeks.
Not a fit: Patients currently experiencing a major depressive episode or those with certain neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease by reducing apathy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using rTMS for various neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
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.