Brain zapping trial aims to brighten mood in Parkinson's
NCT ID NCT06467695
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called MRI-guided transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can reduce depression and apathy in people with Parkinson's disease. Forty participants will receive either real or sham stimulation, and researchers will measure changes in mood, brain activity, and memory. It is an early-stage trial focused on symptom relief, not a cure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) using a BIOPAC Stimsola device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to improve mood and thinking in people with Parkinson's disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 40 people. The effects may be small or not last, and the sham group helps check if results are real.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 40 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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19 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 19 to 65 years in age. * Parkinson's Group must have a physician dx of Parkinson's Disease * Must meet exhibit elevated levels of depression on the Beck Depression Inventory (scores of 20 or above). * Must be willing and able to travel of the Psychology Department for EEG and tDCS sessions. * Participants who have undergone surgery for Deep Brain Stimulation implantation may be enrolled if advised to and monitored by their physician. * Read and understand spoken English. Exclusion Criteria: * No history of or being treated for epilepsy or other seizure disorders. * No history of penetrating head wounds or TBI greater than mild TBI. * No history of atypical Parkinson's
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of South Alabama
RECRUITINGMobile, Alabama, 36688, United States
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