Using rTMS to enhance thinking in Veterans with Parkinson's disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the safety and effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a non-invasive treatment for Veterans suffering from Parkinson's disease or atypical parkinsonism with mild cognitive impairment. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active rTMS or a sham treatment, and their cognitive functions will be assessed through standardized tests at the beginning, end, and one month after the treatment. The study aims to explore changes in executive function and other cognitive domains, as well as brain connectivity using advanced neuroimaging techniques. By examining these effects, the research seeks to determine the potential of rTMS in improving cognitive outcomes for this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Veterans who seek services at Hines VA Hospital or Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
* Diagnosis of PD or atypical parkinsonism as determined by a neurologist
* Meet criteria for having mild cognitive impairment
* Receiving stable (i.e., no changes in medication and medication dose) medication and who are expected to remain on stable medication for the duration of the RCT
* Speak and read English
* 50 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dementia
* Failure to demonstrate decision making capacity
* History of deep brain stimulation surgery
* Severe depression
* Resting head tremor
* Dyskinesia that will interfere with collecting imaging data
* Has congestive heart failure
* Implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator
* Cochlear implant, nerve stimulator, or intracranial metal clips
* Implanted medical pump
* Increased intracranial pressure
* History of claustrophobia
* Metal in eyes/face, shrapnel/bullet remnants in brain
* Participants at potential increased risk of seizure including those who have the following:

  * history (or family history) of seizure or epilepsy
  * history of stroke, head injury, or unexplained seizures
  * presence of other neurological disease that may be associated with an altered seizure threshold

    * such as CVA, cerebral aneurysm, dementia, increased intracranial pressure
* Concurrent medication use such as tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptic medications, any other drug known to lower seizure threshold
* Secondary conditions that may significantly alter electrolyte balance or lower seizure threshold
* No quantifiable motor threshold such that rTMS dosage cannot be accurately deter-mined

Where it's running

• Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
  Hines, Illinois, United States Recruiting
• Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL
  Chicago, Illinois, United States Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sandra L. Kletzel, PhD BA — Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL
• Study coordinator: Sandra L Kletzel, PhD BA
• Email: Sandra.Kletzel@va.gov
• Phone: (708) 202-5735

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.