Accelerated rTMS for Apathy in Parkinson's Disease

This single-site, open-label pilot study will evaluate the feasibility, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) targeting the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) for apathy in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Fifteen participants with PD and clinically significant apathy will undergo six treatment visits over two weeks, receiving eight iTBS sessions per day. Outcomes include adherence, tolerability, changes in apathy (Lille Apathy Rating Scale), functional engagement, and neural target engagement assessed via resting-state fMRI and EEG. Follow-up assessments will occur at two and four weeks post-treatment.

Study identifier: NCT07399496. Status: RECRUITING. Phase: NA.

Eligibility

Criteria: Inclusion Criteria: * Age 45-85 * Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease * AES ≥37 * Stable PD medications * Caregiver informant available Exclusion Criteria: * MRI/TMS contraindications * Severe cognitive impairment (MoCA \<21) * Psychiatric disorders (bipolar, schizophrenia, active substance use disorder) * Seizure history * Acute suicidality as assessed by the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) or suicide attempt in the previous year * Pregnancy

  • Minimum age: 45 Years
  • Maximum age: 85 Years

Participating locations

  • Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

Study records are sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Confirm current eligibility, recruiting status, and locations in the official record.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07399496

Browse Parkinson's clinical trials