rTMS Apathy Clinical Trial (REACT)
Interventional Study
Get in touch about this studyWhat 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:
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Address: 2075 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5
Age Group:
40 - 49, 50 - 54, 55 - 59, 60 - 64, 65 - 69, 70 - 80, 81 - 85, 86 - 90, 91+
Target Population:
Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Vascular dementia