Overview
Apathy is a common, early, and disabling symptom in dementias and mild behavioural impairment such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is characterized by lack of interest and enthusiasm. Both repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, and methylphenidate, a medication, have been shown to improve apathy. This pilot study will investigate rTMS as a treatment for apathy in neurocognitive disorders and mild behavioural impairment in individuals receiving methylphenidate and individuals not receiving medication for apathy.
Eligibility
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