NCT07279740 · Phase 2 · RECRUITING
Combined Brain Stimulation and Methylphenidate Treatment for Apathy in Dementia
This trial tests whether a stimulant medication, methylphenidate, combined with non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation called intermittent theta burst stimulation can ease apathy (loss of motivation) in people who already have Alzheimer's or mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. It is a Phase 2 trial, testing whether it works and is safe, not yet proven or approved.
You may qualify if
- Alzheimer's disease or mixed Alzheimer's disease and vascular disease
- MMSE score 10-28 inclusive
- Clinically significant apathy
- Stable dose of psychotropic medication
- Care partner must spend at least 10hrs/week with the participant
You're excluded if
- Major Depressive Episode
- Clinically significant agitation, delusions, hallucinations
- Currently talking a dopaminergic agent other than methylphenidate
- Failure to clear the TMS adult safety scale (e.g. unapproved pacemakers, metallic implants, history of epilepsy)
- Central nervous system abnormalities (other than Alzheimer's disease) deemed clinically significant by study physician or seizures
- Any condition that in the opinion of the study physician, makes it medically unsafe for the patient to enroll in the trial
The sponsor's own eligibility wording, lightly reformatted. The study team makes the final eligibility decision — worth discussing with your doctor.
Eligibility criteria as of 2025-12-12