Brain zaps aim to spark motivation in Parkinson's patients

NCT ID NCT06087926

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 09, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called TMS can help with apathy—a common lack of motivation—in people with Parkinson's disease. Sixty participants will receive TMS to two different brain areas on separate visits and perform a task where they choose between easy and hard work for money. Researchers will measure changes in effort and brain signals to see if this approach could lead to a new treatment for apathy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new, non-drug way to treat apathy in Parkinson's disease, improving motivation and quality of life.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with only 60 people, comparing two brain areas. It's testing a short-term effect on a lab task, not real-world improvement, and may not lead to a lasting treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Lethargy Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARKINSON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

UNC-Chapel Hill, Cassidy Lab
RECRUITING

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

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