Tests magnetic brain stimulation for apathy in people with memory and thinking disorders
Tests repetitive magnetic brain stimulation for apathy in people with dementia or Alzheimer disease.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: rTMS for Apathy Clinical Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
AI summary: who the study is looking for
From the trial's eligibility criteria. Machine-read from the registry text on this page, so it can be wrong. The registry text below and the trial team decide who can take part.
The trial is looking for people with mild or major neurocognitive disorder, or mild behavioural impairment, who have had apathy for at least 4 weeks. A care partner must be involved.
- Sex
- All sexes can join.
- Disease stage
- Mild or major neurocognitive disorder, or mild behavioural impairment, with apathy for at least 4 weeks.
- Earlier treatment
- Any medication that may affect thinking or behaviour must be at a stable dose for more than 4 weeks.
Main reasons for not taking part
- Current major depressive episode
- Agitation, delusions or hallucinations
- Medical reasons that make rTMS unsafe
- Currently taking an amphetamine product
- Brain or nervous system abnormalities, Tourette's syndrome or motor tics
Read by machine on 9 November 2026.
Where in Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreToronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Contact the study team: see the registry record → Contacts and Locations
Print a page for my doctorTrial details
- Who runs it
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Trial code
- NCT05561205
- Record updated
- 13 April 2026
- Original description
Apathy is a common, early, and disabling symptom in dementias and mild behavioural impairment 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 neurocognitive disorders and mild behavioural impairment in individuals receiving methylphenidate and individuals not receiving medication for apathy.Read full original descriptionShow less
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Apathy Clinical Trial (REACT)
Apathy is a common, early, and disabling symptom in dementias and mild behavioural impairment 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 neurocognitive disorders and mild behavioural impairment in individuals receiving methylphenidate and individuals not receiving medication for apathy.
Inclusion: 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: Currently taking an amphetamine product; Central nervous system abnormalities, Tourette's syndrome, or motor tics; Current major depressive episode; Agitation, delusions, hallucination; Medical contraindications to rTMS; Current participation in another clinical trial.