Could a magnetic helmet spark motivation in dementia?

NCT ID NCT05561205

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

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This small pilot study tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can reduce apathy in people with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Ten participants will receive rTMS, some also taking the medication methylphenidate. The goal is to see if this combination or rTMS alone improves interest and enthusiasm.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and methylphenidate
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug treatment for apathy in dementia, improving motivation and engagement.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (10 people) with no control group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone. rTMS can cause mild side effects like headache or scalp discomfort.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Alzheimer disease cognitive disorder Cognitive Dysfunction dementia Lethargy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ALZHEIMER DISEASE APATHY IN DEMENTIA DEMENTIA MILD BEHAVIOURAL IMPAIRMENT MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT NEUROCOGNITIVE DISORDERS

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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