Combined Brain Stimulation and Methylphenidate Treatment for Apathy in Dementia
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This study evaluates whether the combined treatment of methylphenidate and non-invasive brain stimulation, called intermittent theta burst stimulation, can effectively treat apathy in individuals with Alzheimer's disease or mixed AD/vascular dementia
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * 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