Could a magnetic helmet spark motivation in dementia?
NCT ID NCT05561205
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.
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
-
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
-
About 10 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Feb 2023
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
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: * mild or major neurocognitive disorder OR mild behavioural impairment * Apathy for at least 4 weeks * Stable dose of medication (\>4 weeks) that may affect cognition or behaviour * Care partner who spends at least 10 hours a week with the subject Exclusion Criteria: * Current major depressive episode * Agitation, delusions, hallucination * Medical contraindications to rTMS * Currently taking an amphetamine product * Central nervous system abnormalities, Tourette's syndrome, or motor tics * Current participation in another clinical trial
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Alzheimer disease are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
-
The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Locations
-
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
RECRUITINGToronto, Ontario, M4N 3M5, Canada
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a massive data registry crack the code of Parkinson's and related brain diseases?
- A simple gel meets the Mouth's microscopic zoo
- Can a gentle electric current calm the mind in Alzheimer's?
- Alzheimer's vaccine aims to clear amyloid before memory fades
- Blood, eye, and brain scans team up to spot Alzheimer's earlier
- Walking memory tests may reveal early Parkinson's clues