rTMS Apathy Clinical Trial (REACT)

What is the study about?

Apathy is a common, early, and disabling symptom in dementias 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 AD in individuals receiving methylphenidate and individuals not receiving medication for apathy.

 

Eligibility- Who can participate?

Participants must:

• Have a diagnosis of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia)
• Have a care partner who spends at least 10 hours a week with the participant
• Have apathy

Time requirement

There will be 3 study assessments and 2 optional MRI visits over the course of approximately 10 weeks. This includes a baseline visit, endpoint visit and an 8-week follow-up visit. At these 3 visits, blood is drawn and memory and behavior are assessed. Participants will receive rTMS for 10 sessions over two weeks at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.

 

TDRA study investigator

Dr. Krista Lanctôt

Dr. Sandra Black

Dr. Giovanni Marotta

Dr. Mark Rapoport

Dr. Damien Gallagher

TDRA Site: