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Accelerated rTMS for Apathy in Parkinson's Disease

Who can join

Ages 45 to 85 · All sexes

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

About the study

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.

What is being tested

• Accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) rTMS to left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) (device)

Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina · Participants: 15 · Started: Sep 15, 2026

Contact the study team

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07399496

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Parkinson's Disease
• Lethargy

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.