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Can a brain ZAP and a common drug beat Alzheimer's apathy?

NCT ID NCT07279740

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

Alzheimer disease dementia Lethargy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALZHEIMER DEMENTIA ALZHEIMER DEMENTIA (AD) ALZHEIMER DISEASE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE APATHY APATHY IN DEMENTIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sunnybrook Research Institute

    RECRUITING

    Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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