Combined Brain Stimulation and Methylphenidate Treatment for Apathy in Dementia

Methylphenidate Primed iTBS for Apathy in Neurocognitive Disorders

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

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