Methylphenidate primed iTBS for apathy in neurocognitive disorders

What is this Study about?

Apathy, or reduced interest, initiative and emotion, is common in people living with Alzheimer’s disease and can affect quality of life and functioning. This study will test whether combining methylphenidate, an oral medication, with intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment, is more effective than iTBS alone for treating apathy in dementia. Information collected will help determine whether this combined approach may improve apathy and quality of life for people living with dementia and their care partners.

What Will Happen in This Study?

You and your care partner will first attend a screening visit to answer questions about behaviour, mood and memory. If eligible, you will receive treatment for apathy in one of two groups: methylphenidate plus iTBS, or iTBS only. During treatment, you will attend 10 iTBS visits over 2 weeks. You and your care partner will then attend two follow-up assessment visits. A blood sample will be collected at each of the three assessment visits. Total study involvement is approximately 10 weeks.

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

  • Have Alzheimer’s disease or mixed Alzheimer’s/vascular disease of mild to moderate severity
  • Have apathy, such as less interest, initiative or emotion, for at least 4 weeks at the screening visit
  • Have been taking a stable dose for at least 4 weeks of any medication that affects thinking or behaviour
  • Have a care partner who spends at least 10 hours per week with you and can accompany you to study visits

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