Can a brain ZAP and a common drug beat Alzheimer's apathy?
NCT ID NCT07279740
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This small study tests whether combining methylphenidate (a drug already used for apathy) with a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called iTBS can reduce apathy in people with Alzheimer's or mixed dementia. The trial will include 12 participants who have significant apathy and a care partner. The main goal is to see if the combination improves apathy scores over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
methylphenidate and intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to reduce apathy in Alzheimer's, improving quality of life for patients and caregivers.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 12 participants, so results may not apply widely. The treatment may not work or could cause side effects like headache or discomfort from brain stimulation.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Sunnybrook Research Institute
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••