Brain zaps aim to spark motivation in Parkinson's patients

NCT ID NCT06087926

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • UNC-Chapel Hill, Cassidy Lab

    RECRUITING

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States

    Contact